Mr. Lyons May Move

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 5581, 20 February 1931, Page 7

Mr. Lyons May Move

TO BEING SCULLIN GOVERNMENT TO. HEEL Received Thursday, 10.10 p.xn. CANBERRA, FeD. 19. It was learned to-day that Mr. Lyons, former Postmaster-General and acting-Treasurer, is prepared to bring about the downfall oi the Scullin Government if it persists with the Theodore financial plan. Press lobbyists say that the pendulum is swinging Mr. Lyons’ way, but the rank and file of the party are in such a hopeless state of confusion that they do not know which way to turn or what to do next. Mr. Scullin in the meantime remains silent and cannot be induced to comment on the outlook. A special meeting of the New South Wales Federal Labour members was held to-day, when it was decided by a large majority to disregard the instructions of the State Labour executive that they should help in the East Sydney by-election campaign by embracing Mr. Lang’s repudiation policy. The Federal Labour caucus this afternoon carried a motion supporting Mr. Theodore’s financial proposals.

MILITANT LABOUR GARDEN AND GENERAL STRIKE SYDNEY, Feb. 19. The militant section of the Australian Council of Trades Union Congress, sitting in Sydney yesterday, submitted a recommendation for a general strike, beginning on February 25, on the grounds already published. An attempt was made to pack the meeting. Fights occurred with the doorkeeper and disorderly scones were enacted at various stages of the proceedings. No decision was reached. Mr. J. S. Garden was the most prominent advocate of a strike. Mr. Garden’s amendments to the general strike proposal moved by Mr. Chapman, of the New South Wales railways, comprised the appointment of a committee of four to place before the Federal and State Governments immediately tho following demands: — 1. A shorter working week. 2. Restoration of the 10 per cent, reduction. in wages under certain awards

recently ordered by the Arbitration Court. 3. Assurance that there shall be no reduction in old age, infirmity, invalid or war pensions. 4. Provision of food, clothing and shelter for unemployed workers in accordance with the standard of the Harvester judgment. Mr. Garden stated that Mr. Lang had appealed to him to furnish a statement as to what tho workers demanded, and had given him an assurance that he intended to see tho demands granted. Mr. Garden added that from previous experience he was certain that the Federal politicians would again procrastinate, so he moved tho amendments formally to throw tho onus on tho Federal Ministry. Personally, he favoured a general strike. STOCKS DEPRESSED. Received Thursday, 11.15 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 19. Tho Financial News says that Australian stocks are depressed by renewed declarations that Mr. Lang favours a reduction of interest payments. Fortunately tho exchango position has not become worse. If anything, pressure on the outside market has diminished and rates lately have fallen to within half to one per cent, of tho official rates. Tho Financial Times reviews tho circumstances of Australia’s war debt. It says tho idea that the burden of repayment is onerous has been deliberately and maliciously fostered by extremists iu support of their general campaign for debt repudiation. Tho outcry against tho alleged so verity of the terms is belated and based on a most insecure foundation. Overseas liabilities are largely a matter of contract between the Commonwealth or States and tho individual investor. As regards relief in respect of tho annual interest and sinking fund payments, the Imperial Government might be able to lessen Australia’s difficulties, but it must bo recognised that should any amelioration prove possible, it would need to bo on tho ground of sympathy and not right. Tho editorial concludes that other debtor Dominions might consider themselves aggrieved by exclusion from a similar privileged treatment.

NATIONALISING THE BANKING. Received Friday, 1.50 a.m. CANBERRA, Feb. 19. A resolution was. carried by tho Federal caucus to-day approving of Mr. Theodore’s financial plan: “That this party approves of the Commonwealth Government continuing negotiations with the Banks on the lines laid down by the Prime Minister and Mr. Theodore and in the event of these negotiations failing, the Government is hereby instructed to proceed to secure legislative power to give effect to the party’s platform regarding banking and currency.’’ This plank aims at the nationalisation of banking.