Queensland's Legislation.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume X, Issue 141, 29 May 1920, Page 5

Queensland's Legislation.

MR. THEODORE IN DEFENCE. BRITISH INTERESTS PREJUDICED THE PARTISAN ACTING GOVERNOR. [By Cable. Press Association.—Copyright.! London. May 27. Mr. fhc-odore, Queensland Premier, interviewed, expressed surprise that a great authority like Mr. Berriedale Keith should allege that there was a breach of constitutional rules in connection with the appointment of a partisan is -icting Governor, the swamping of the Upper House ami the fart that the Acting-Governor had not exercised the right or reserving a Bill because it prejudiced the rights of British subjects outside the State. Mr. Theodore said : "If the Government acted unconstitutionally the ixiint may easily be tested.” He added : "Even Governors invariably held definite political opinions prior to ap|Kiintments Therefore they may all he classed as political partisans. The appointment of new members even to the extent <>i swamping, has never been considered unconstitutional. It has occurred in recent years in New South Wales ami New Zealand.” Mr. Tl leodore admitted that the referendum provides Queensland with a m.-ans of settling disputes.* but involves great delay and expense. Ilf does not regard -Mr. Keith's suggestion to establish an Imperial arbitration tribunal as practicable, as it involves the reactionary principle of the limitation of sovereign rights. "It will not find a solitary supporter in the Dominion” said Mr. Theodore. ‘-Noninterference is the safest doctrine.’ — (A. and N.Z.)

A GOVERNOR’S POWERS. FORCING APPEALS TO ELECTORS. London, May 28. Sir General Strickland, late Governor of New South M ales, states that fxirif Milner cannot lx* expected to disallow the acts of Queensland, but Mr. Keith's remedy is open to grave ooje.:tion. The Australian High Court Is the proper authority to decide such subjects. It must be made plain to investors that apjieals on local matters to a distant Secretary of State are futile. The future success of demo cratic Government npiiears Jo reuuirt that everv executive should be liable to some control. “My experience in Fasmania, Western Australia and NewSouth Wales shews that although Ministers dislike it. electors appreciate the exercise of impartial authority n. their behalf. Governors should be able to deter Ministers from flagrant brewlies of the constitution by forcing appeals to electors on rare occasions. (A .and N.Z.) £l,OOO INCOMES. PUBLICATION OF NAMES. London, May 19. Mr Theodore (Premier of Queensland)'. questioned in reference to a cable stating that Mr. Fihelly (Acting Premier) had forecasted the publiwtion of the names of all nen mg over £lOOO a year, said he hail no knowledge of any proposed legislation on these lines. He is satisfied that the cable misrepresents M. Fihelly’s views. Mr. Theodore says the New YoiK socialist Conference displayed the keenest interest in his recital of Quec inland’s enterprises in practical He encountered criticism from advanced Communists. The American Socw ’ ists are sharply divided among them selves regarding methods. . (Speaking at the Labour Dav gathering in the Brisbane Trades Hall on Mav Ist. Mr. Fihelly forecasted some JiosMble legislation for the next session of Parliament. One thing be had in his mind, ho said, was the publication of the income of every mail when the amount was over £lOO9. 1 rohteenng was a difficult thing to deal with, ana there was no need lor these things to be kept secret. The income -• < n getting over the living wage s.rnuid be published. J ,___