LABOUR UNREST

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19139, 7 October 1936, Page 13

LABOUR UNREST

CANBERRA MOVES .MAY SEEK NEW LEADER CANBERRA, Sept. 17. Growing uneasiness because of the tactics- of Mr. Curtin is apparent among New South Wales members who formerly comprised the Lang group in the Federal Parliament, arid soon, there may be interesting developments in the party room. Tbo former Lang group members are believed to be dissatisfied because of the general quietness which lias characterised the Opposition benches since the resumption of the Parliamentary sittings. _ A more demonstrative policy of attacking tlie Government in the House on »very possible occasion is l believed to be favoured.

Tbo general lack of demonstrative tactics by the Opposition since the Lang group became part of the Federal Labour Party is attributed in. the. lobbies to tlie influence of the Leader of tlie Opposition, Mr. Curtin, on his supporters. Air. Curt-ill so far has been able to command the unanimous support of bis followers, but there are indications that New South. Wales members are likely to urge that there should be a change of tactics. PRESTIGE THREATENED

To-day. a. section of the Opposition contended that the policy followed by Air. Curtin was threatening the prestige and oven the identity jn Parliament of tlie Labour Party. Air. Curtin lias been accused of having made too many aiTiiiigcinoiiti with the Government for the conduct of business in Parliament, instead of having contested Government proposals whonhver practicable. It is also said by some of his followers that he is inclined to be 100 academic in his approach to Parliamentary debates and tactics.

A move, for tho restoration to office within the party fit the former Lang group leader, Air. Beasley, would, at this stage, meet with strong opposition from a section of the party. But bo is admitted by all to possess a vision in leadership attd a. command of tactics winch would make him an admirable leader or deputy leader of the party in any campaign of aggression. Discord within the Labour organisation in New South Wales is believed to bn complicating the suggestions for a review of party offices at tbo present time. The New South Wales members are not inclined to take action until the. domestic problems of their party have been settled. It is believed, however, that, a strong move for tlie resumption of a, policy of aggression will he made in the labour caucus within the next week or two. ..... . „