MR. W. M. HUGHES RESIGNS

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 7 November 1935, Page 5

MR. W. M. HUGHES RESIGNS

Disorderly Scenes Follow Explanation in the House

MR. LYONS GREATLY ANGERED

(United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Copyright). CANBERRA, Nov. 6. Mr W. M. Hughes, a member of the Federal Cab met, handed his resignation to the Prime Minister today. The resignation was asked for in view of opinions regarding sanctions expressed by Mr Hughes in a hook recently published. Later when the House met the Prime Minister, Mr J. A. Lyons, attempted to make a statement, but when Labour members objected the Speaker refused him permission. Considerable disorder followed. Mr Lyons, greatly angered, resumed his seat and the debate on the Sanctions Bill was taken up. Mr Hughes thus obtained his chance to explain his attitude, He intimated that he had intended to support the measure. He quoted lengthily from his book, “Australia and the War Today,” and claimed that the book was written chiefly with the object of arousing Australians to a. realisation of the danger in which the country stood. He denied that his attitude with regard to the League was incompatible with that of the Government.

The lesson he sought to drive home, said Mr Hughes, was that it would be most dangerous to rest calmly in the belief that the League could always preserve peace. Ho was .prepared to stand or fall by that statement. “Surely,” he added, “it is a pious hope to expect Mussolini to be turned from bis path by a mere gesture.” Mr Curtin, Leader of the Opposition, contended that Mr Hughes had been unfairly treated. His attitude was that of any other thinking person—that an economic blockacU lo be effective must be backed by force, which "would inevitably lead to war. Mr Lyons tabled tlie correspondence between himself and Mr Hughes, and the debate on the motion for printing this correspondence was adjourned.