SURPRISE MOVE

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 84, 18 March 1931, Page 5

SURPRISE MOVE

FEDERAL OPPOSITION SUDDEN DECISION MOTION TO ADJOURN GOVERNMENT’S NARROW SHAVE CANBERRA, March 17. A sudden decision by the National Party this morning that Mr. J. G. Latham, Leader of the Opposition, should move for an adjournment of the House this afternoon to test the Government’s position, threw the latter’s forces into excited activity. As five Victorian Labour members had not arrived by the morning train and others were absent, the Government had only 2(1 assured votes. Arrangements were made for an aeroplane to bring the members from Melbourne in time to participate in the division.

A hurried consultation between Messrs. J. H. Scullin and Latham just before the Labour caucus meeting was regarded as significant. Messrs. Latham, Gullett and J. A. Lyons also conferred earlier. Increased Uncertainty The Government’s uncertainty was increased by the lack of any indication of the Beasley group’s attitude. It was believed that this group would abstain from voting. The House met at 3 p.m. and adjourned for an hour in respect to the memory of Senator Chapman. When the House resumed, Mr. Latham, amid considerable noise from the Government side, moved the adjournment of the House. The Leader of the Opposition said his motion was to allow the House to discuss the publication of certain confidential cables. Mr. Latham was twice obliged to withdraw remarks directed at Mr. Crouch, Victorian Labour member, who frequently interjected. Mr. Scullin rose to reply at 4.45 p.m., and talked the motion out. According to Standing Orders, the vote had to be taken by 5 o’clock. Late in the afternoon the Beasley group decided that if it came to a vote they must again save the Government. ‘ Messrs. Maloney, Jones and Anstey left Melbourne early in the afternoon by plane for Canberra. Mr. Lewis flew from Geelong, but missed the Canberra plane by minutes.