Lang Would Suspend Interest Payments

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6835, 16 April 1932, Page 6

Lang Would Suspend Interest Payments

‘NOT AN UNFAIR REQUEST 1 ’ Received Friday, 9.55 p.m. MELBOURNE, April 14. The keynote of Mr. Lang’s speech at. the Premiers’ Conference was tho need for the suspension of overseas interest payments. He said: “In our present desperate straits it; is not an unfair request to make, as I am reliably informed that if it were made it would bo granted. I warn the Governments in all seriousness that if they attempt to put this wage cut plan into operation they will continue as Governments only with the aid of tho policeman’s baton. Twelve months ago the experts told us their plan would be the salvation of Australia. I questioned their prediction, and here we- are to-day as badly off as ever, debating another plan which is aimed at doing the same thing. Twelve months hence probably another plan will be trotted out to correct more unexpected factors, and so tho farco will continue indefinitely. The Labour movement of Neiv South Wales will havo nothing to do witli a Gipsy mode of living, but tho icqst it expected of fellow Australians was that the people of tho Commonwealth should be asked to work for their keep, which is the underlying, principle of the experts’ plan.”

Mr. Lang emphasised that tho £30,000,000 which was ordinarily sent abroad for interest should be kept hero to provide jobs for the workless, whoso desperate plight was being used to smash wages, industrial conditions and federation.

Opposition to Flat Cut The Premiers of Western Australia and Queensland, while desirous of making the rehabilitation plan a success, expressed opposition to tho fiat rate of reduction in wages, which was likely to lead to further hardship. The conference has adjourned unti Monday.