MR LANG'S DIFFICULTIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21390, 18 July 1931, Page 11

MR LANG'S DIFFICULTIES

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S STAND CONDITIONS OF ASSISTANCE MUST CARRY OUT CONFERENCE TERMS (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) SYDNEY, July 17. The Daily Telegraph says that it is understood that Mr Scullin has refused to come to Mr Lang’s aid except on the distinct understanding that the New South Wales Government carries out the terms of the Melbourne Conference in their entirety and immediately. Quite distinct from the desperate appeal to Mr Scullin are Mr Lang’s reported negotiations with private banks for finance to meet the £700,000 interest due shortly on internal loans.

LABOUR CAUCUS MEETS PREMIER AGREES TO FEDERAL TERMS. SYDNEY, July 17. (Received July 17, at 10.3, p.m.) A special meeting of the Labour caucus to-day discussed the acute financial crisis. The Premier (Mr Lang) was placed on the defensive, several members of the party demanding that he shoulcj give immediate effect to the Melbourne Conference agreement in order to be able to receive help from the Loan Council. Mr Lang ■ declared that there was no need for concern, as he intended to pursue that course. It is understood that Mr Lang will visit Canberra during the week-end to discuss the position with the Prime Minister. MR SCULLIN QUESTIONED DECLINES TO GIVE INFORMATION. CANBERRA, July 17. (Received July 17, at 7 p.m.) Questioned in the House of Representatives regarding Mr Lang’s appeal to the Federal Government for financial aid the Prime Minister (Mr Scullin) declined to give any information. COMMENT IN THE SENATE PREMIER’S “GROSS EFFRONTRY.” CANBERRA, July 17. (Received July 17, at 10.5 p.m.) In the Senate to-day Sir George Pearce (Leader of the Opposition) directed attention to the plight of the Lang Government. He wanted to know the Government’s intentions. Senator Barnes (Leader of the Government) replied that the matter was confidential. Sir George Pearce added that Mr Lang’s request for financial assistance revealed an amazing state of mind. Mr Lang had kept his State out of the Loan Council yet had the gross effrontery to ask for help. The Federal Government had a duty to the people, and should flatly refuse. Senator Duncan said that the sooner the Lang Government was made to face the position the better it would be for the people of New South Wales.

INTEREST PAYMENTS FEDERAL POLICY TO BE PURSUED. CANBERRA, July 17. Mr Theodore stated that the Government proposed to pursue its policy towards New South Wales until it got complete satisfaction regarding the interest owed by the State. STEAMSHIP COMPANY’S OFFER REDUCTION OF MAIL SUBSIDY. SYDNEY, July 17. (Received July 18, at 0.5 a.m.) The Orient Steam Navigation Company has offered to reduce by £20,000 the mail subsidy of £130,000 received from the Comonwealth Postal Department in order to assist the Government over its financial difficulties. The Prime Minister (Mr Scullin) has gratefully accepted the offer. REDUCTION OF SALARIES OFFER -BY SIR PHILIP GAME. SYDNEY, July 17. It is understood that the Governor (Sir Philip Game), in conformity with the decisions of the Governors of the other States, is willing to accept a 25 per cent, reduction in his salary. It is considered possible that the judges may follow suit.