FEDERAL HOUSE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23859, 13 July 1939, Page 11

FEDERAL HOUSE

AN ELECTION PROBABLE NATIONAL REGISTER ISSUE THE LABOUR CHALLENGE FLOUTING OF THE LAW (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) PERTH, July 12. (Received July 13, at 1 a.m.) The Prime Minister indicated upon his arrival at Perth that he was prepared to take up the challenge and fight an election on the issue whether the law relating to'the national register should be obeyed or whether one section .of the community should be permitted to flout it. Mr Merlzies was referring to the Australian Council, of Trades Unions’ decision reaffirming the boycott. He added that tjie register was intended to furnish information enabling the Government to allot each volunteer in a time of crisis the class of work for which he was best fitted. The question of conscription was not involved.

The Minister for Customs (Mr N. J. Lawson), wpo is also visiting Perth, declared:;“Ultimately I think Australia will develop into an empire arsenal in tjie Pacific for the supply to the British dominions and colonies and friendly Powers. Meanwhile Australia i» desperately engaged in fillirfg its own requirements of 'armaments and munitions." •• >• ! ■, PRESS ’ PREDICTION LIGHTNING ELECTION : CANBERRA, July 12. (Received; July 13, at 1 a.m.) Press representatives here predict a lightning election by September 9. A double dissolution would not be sought. Those who are well informed,; claim that widespread sabotage! of- the national register would compel the Prime Minister immediately to seek a mandate to enforce Observance of the law. The House of Representatives only would thus be affected.