NECESSARY STEPS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 219, 12 April 1933, Page 3

NECESSARY STEPS

Secession from Commonwealth WEST AUSTRALIAN REFERENDUM Press Association —Copyright Perth, April 11.—The Premier-elect, Mr. P. Collier, announced to-day that when his Government assumed office the necessary steps would be taken to’ give effect t 6 the decision of the people in favour of secession from the Commonwealth. The latest referendum figures are:— For secession Against secession ... 55,703 The Fed4tal Prime Minister, Mr. J. A. i Lybns, has communicated with the ■ Premiers of all the States inviting them to express their wishes on the question of holding a convention to consider the Commonwealth constitution. What is going to f HAPPEN? Press Association.— Copyright. Invercargill,. April ring to the secession rcfeiendum in Western Australia during an aodress to Rotarians to-day, Sir Henry Brad--1 don, Sydney, said: “Although the vote has- been-taken-the question arises, how can Western Australia get out. It is unconstitutional to get out. What is going to happen? The people that may say they don’t care'and that they are going to get out. “Lfet us look at some of the issues i that will be raised even if they do succeed in separating. Take finance. 'Western Australia receives a grant of £500,080 from the Federal Government to-, wards the " disabilities suffered, and with > other concessions the State benefits to the- extent of approximately £700,000 from the federation. If it secedes what happens?- Not only will this gain disappearbut the State will have to carry £10,000,000 of short-term indebtedness. This • t« at present guaranteed by the Commonwealth Bank and the Federal Government. It is questionable if this guarantee would be continued after secession. There is also £6,000,000 to be renewed within two years. . “Western Australia could not expect the- same terms without the previous backing. Thus it can be seen that the people who so gaily used their vote are facing a- serious situation, for should they actually - secede they will be greatly hampered financially.” - Sir Henry ventured to say that the vote that had just been taken would mean nothing more serious than an expression of public opinion on the question. He did not think the federation would -be broken.