CRISIS IMMINENT

Southland Times, Issue 21264, 10 December 1930, Page 7

CRISIS IMMINENT

OUTLOOK IN AUSTRALIA A NATIONAL COUNCIL SUGGESTED REHABILITATION OF INDUSTRY (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) Canberra, December 8. On a motion for the adjournment of the House of Representatives to-day, Mr Latham, Leader of the Federal Opposition, declared that Australia was threatened by an imminent national crisis, the grave effects of which would be felt after Christmas when many large factories and big stores would close, throwing thousands more into the ranks of the unemployed. He proposed the appointment of a national council representing all political interests to devise measures to meet the crisis. The council must be representative of all classes of the community, party politics must be sunk, and an attempt should be made to formulate a plan of three to five years’ duration for the rehabilitation of industry, and it would ultimately be the responsibility of the Commonwealth and State Governments to determine whether the plan evolved by this council should be accepted or modified. Other members of tho Opposition endorsed Mr Latham’s remarks, after which Mr J. E. Fenton, the acting-Prime Minister, said the proposal was very important and needed consideration. Ministers fully appreciated the plight of the rural industries and the vast amount of unemployment. He would place the suggestion before the members of his party. The motion for adjournment was negatived on the voices.