Expect Mckell To Be New Governor

Northern Advocate, 24 January 1947, Page 3

Expect Mckell To Be New Governor

<Bv C. R. MENTIPLAY)

(Spec.. 1 p.m.> SYDNLi 7 . This Daj'

Though opposition even within the Australian Labour Party is considerable. the appointment of Mr W. j, McKell. New South Wales Premier. as Governor General of Australia is expected to be announced shortly. possibly on Australia Day, which falls on Monday. The most recent protest is from four women's organisations whose members include business and professional women, ex-servicewomen and nurses.

In a joint letter to Mr Chifley, they ask for a direct representative of the King. Even if it were judged desirable to appoint an Australian it would be far better to follow the example of New Zealand in choosing a distinguished citizen who has been absent from his country for a sufficient time to be quite detached from local politics.”- they say. During the past week criticism ol the expected appointment has centred round statements by two men. BOYCOTT FUNCTIONS

The deputy leader of the Federal Opposition (Mr Erie Harrison) drew fire from both sides when he suggested that the Opposition should boycott all official functions except those at which members are legally compelled to attend. As Labour and Opposition members point out. Mr McKell. if appointed, will become the representative of the King and will be entitled to all the respect usually accorded a governor general. As Mr P. C. Spender put it: "If we do this, people will say: ‘ I’ll never go near Admiralty House again.’ ‘‘Then they will say a little later: •After all, you can’t flagrantly insult the King’s representative.’ “Then later still: ‘Well. I’ll go, but I won't curtsey, and if I do it’ll only be a little one.”'