CABINET SPLIT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23411, 29 July 1939, Page 16

CABINET SPLIT

NEW SOUTH WALES ISSUE BROADENED .. DIFFICULTIES OF PREMIER " PLACED ON THE DEFENSIVE £from our own cokrkspondenYJ SYDNEY. July 25 j The issue, in the quarrel between 'th • New South Wales Premier, Mr! B § Stevens, and Mr. E. S. Spooner, *•},' ! resigned from the Cabinet last'Veek has broadened from financial ppli Cv ' Starting with the change in the admin! " istration of unemployment relief wqrfci and proceeding to allegations of "faked" Budget, the dispute has tfcj week involved the power exercised b? the Country Party in the Cabinet. If this latter question is made a cauj» of battle, the United Australia Party malcontents are likely to Mr. Stevens may be left to carry 05 the Government with a "rump" „{ United Australia Party "yes" men aaj the Country Party. The Premier jj undoubtedly on the defensive. The mal. contents of his party have gained f early strategic victory by deciding to remain dissatisfied and to leave to jj r Stevens the calling of a party to discuss differences. , . The leadership of the United Australia. Pay-ty and, of course, of - 'the Government is involved in the struggle Mr. Spooner clearly is challenging'th, position of Mr. Stevens, and the comin; week will see tense moves in which each' faction will attempt to rally supporters. The real issues are now the predominating; influence of the Country Party in the Cabinet and the ambitions of the leader of that party, Mr. S?M. Brux. n who is implacably opposed to Jlr, Spooner. If Mr. Stevens were to retire Mr. Bruxner would be a contender for the Premiership, and his strongest rival would be Mr. Spooner. Serious Threat to Premier's Authority The fear has been expressed that if Mr. Spooner triumphed in the party . room and became leader of the United Australia Party he would be 'unable'to carry on the Government because he is anathema to the Country Party., Sapporters of Mr.- Spooner, however, eav that he has many friends among the'.Country Party and, except for Jlr. liruxner, is capaihle of working in harmony with them as a party ind ascot leagues, in a .Cabinet. ■ ,i .. There is every indication that Mr. Stevens will make a, formidable, reply to the serious threat which has bejri raised to his authority. In his political career the Premier has survived a number of crises in the party, and those closest to hiin are confident that he will ride through the present stOnn. But Mr/ Spooner made it no easier for Mr. Stevens when., last nighi, le made a bitter personal attack on Jlr. Bruxner. He accused Mr. Bribcnei- of having "deliberately c/eated a situation that made 'my position in the State Government untenable." Mr. Bruiner; he said, was dominating the United Australia Party and the Premier, and humiliating its rank-and-file members'." Attack on Mr. Bruxner.Q;:' " "The United Australia Party has no reason for difference with the Country Party, but unfortunately Mr. Bruxaer's domination will not allow the two parties to come together," said Afr. Spooner. "Mr. Bruxner has been gradually growing in strength and has/put tie Premier in; an unenviable position. "Jlr. Bruxner has continually humiliated many 'members of the United Australia Party, who have come'" ti> be called rebels. These men are not rebels. They are men who are compelled til demand their rights as members of on; party, and protection for the interests of their electorates. ' "I insist upon .j the right to exercise the freedom and democratic thought which is the foundation of the coiistitfr tion of the United Australia Pajty. I will not be led by reactionary influence Nor will I see the leader of the party: placed in a position that prevents Mm ■ from maintaining the position that tat party has occupied for the last sera years." • ' •_