MR AMERY’S PROBLEM

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 289, 10 November 1925, Page 11

MR AMERY’S PROBLEM

STATE GOVERNORS’.

“WALKING WARILY.”

LONDON, Oct. 28. The Secretary for the Dominions, Mr Amery, is faced with a most difficult problem .on the question of State governors. The opinion of the Government and his own opinion is against a change from the present method of appointment, but it is not easy to give a definite hegative to a petition signed by the responsible leaders of five out of the six State Governments of Australia. The move by Sir George Fuller and by the Tasmanian Opposition against the petition strengthens the view that the time is not yet ripe foxsuch a change. * Mr Amery probably will send an indefinite reply, pointing out the difficulties, ana requesting the premiers to elucidate such points as who would appoint the governors, and also further evidence that the sanction would not be affected by a change in political fortunes.

The Dominion Office is walking warily, not wishing to agree to. a request not backed by a majority of the community, and yet fearing to offend the independent Dominion spirit, particularly as Australia is considered one of the touchiest Dominions where its self-governing status is concerned.