A GREAT RECORD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22258, 10 May 1934, Page 6

A GREAT RECORD

, AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER 23 YEARS IN POLITICS. (Ekom Oos OWN Correspondent.) SYDNEY, May 1. It would be untrue to say that Mr J• A. Lyons'is as great a public idol to-day as he was when he assumed the leadership of the United Australia Party—the party which replaced the Nationalists. When Mr Lyons cut adrift from the Labour Party he did so at the psychological moment, and was carried forward on a tide of public enthusiasm, when politics were uppermost in the minds Of the people. The Scullin Government had done many things that did not find public favour, and there was something of a sensation when Mr Lyons resigned from the Minis-; try. That was the beginning of the end for Mr Scullin, and with almost one accord’ Mr Lyons was hailed as the new leader of Australia, Everywhere he went he was greeted with the wildest of cheers. He made no rash promises, but laid down a programme for Australia which seemed best suited to the troubleous times. His sincerity' and fairness have marked his administration, and this week, on the completion of his twenty-fifth year in-politics, he wag showered with congratulations. ■■ “The years have been hard," he said, “but I would face them again if I had the opportunity.” Such a statement is typical of Mr Lyons, who has never shirked his duty. It was on; April 30, 1909, that Mr Lyons, then, a schoolmaster, threw his future into the melting pot and ■ decided to contest a seat in the Tasmanian State Parliament; He was elected Labour member for Wilmot, in the Tasmanian Assembly. He has represented that' constituency ever since—for 20 years in the Tasmanian Parliament and for the past five years in the House of Representatives. It is a great record of mutual allegiance between constituency and member. In the State sphere he held high office practically ell the time, either as Premier or leader of the Opposition. He is the only Tas-manian-born member to become Prime Minister, and the only Tasmanian Privy Councillor; - It, is a remarkable tribute to Mr Lyons to record the fact that even before he had sat in the House of Representatives he Was selected by the Labour Party for a place in the Ministry.- As Assistant Treasurer and as Postmaster-general he wag Mr ScullinVright-hand man, and when Mr Scullin lost that right hand, he lost power and authority. Mr Lyons wag a member of the House of Representatives for Only three years before he became Prime Minister, and no other Prime Minister can make such a boast. During his term of office he has kept his party together admirably, and although there have been no fireworks, he has seen steady progress along sound and safe lines. Would it-be fair to ask for more?