U.A.P. CONVENTION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 16 April 1932, Page 7

U.A.P. CONVENTION

ENTHUSIASM IN SYDNEY MR LYONS SPEAKS , “UNITE AGAINST EXTREMISM” SYDNEY, 31st March. In the presence of nearly 700 delegates, the first general convention of the United Australia party in New South Wales was opened by the Prime Minister (Mr Lyons) to-day. Mr : Lyons, who received a remarkable ovation when lie walked on to the platform, declared that the convention marked the commencement of a new political era. He referred with regret to the retirement from the leadership of the Opposition in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly of Mr Bavin, who he said, had shown great 'personal courage in tho face of physical suffering and political adversity. Apart from ihe recent Federal election, the convention wag the greatest political event in recent years in Australia The spirit of unity among those opposed to extremism in politics was spreading in every Stale, and if iliere were a" State in Australia where unity was necessary it was New South Wales. What had happened in the FeI'crnl sphere would happen in New South Wales if the convention were a success. The outstanding problems were unemployment and finance. Governments could not balance their Budgets if people were out of work, and revenue could not bo increased unless industries were profitably engaged. The Federal Gov eminent was ii. conflict with that of NewSouth Wales on principle, and it would light to a finish. (Applause.) While Langism remained, the nosition of AusIcraJia was hopeless He felt that the people of New South Wales were not hostile to the Federal Ministry, and if the oportuuily were given to-morrow to the ncople of New' South Wales to pass judgment upon the Lang Ministry he would have no doubt about fbe result. But anti-extremists would have to slick together, and there ought to be no divisions in the ranks. He paid a tribute to Mr Latham for his work in the cause of unity. A vole of thanks to Mr Lyons was tgreed to with cheers and the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”

In his reply, Mr Lyons referred to the self-sacrifice of Mr Bruce in taking n junior position in the Cabinet so that he might render some service to his country. Mr Bruce, who also received an ovation. said that Mr Lyons had all the qualities to enable him to lead Australia through her troubles. It- seemed to him that Ansteralia was at the point where, if it did the right thing, it could overcome its, difficulties If it did the wrong thing, no one could tell what the future would hold The greatest task w r as to hold the Commonwealth steady for another year or two. He appealed to delegates to sink small differences, and to have a wide' vision, with tho future of Australia ever in their minds.