MR. LANG’S QUANDARY

Taranaki Daily News, 16 October 1931, Page 7

MR. LANG’S QUANDARY

COUNCIL-SWAMPING PLAN.

RENEWAL OF AGITATION.

, Sydney, Oct. 8. The New South Wales Labour Govern-* inent is still in a quandary in regard to the Legislative Council, which the Premier, Mr. Lang, regards as his bitterest enemy. It has .certainly saved the people of the State from many wildcat schemes that could have ended °nly in disaster for everyone, including the Government itself. Parliament Us gone into -a brief recess after ■ sitting for months on end, and the agitation among Labour supporters for the swamping of the Upper House with true-blue Labour men has been renewed. This would have been done long ago if the Governor, Sir Philip Game, had not stood in the way, and there is nothing to indicate that he is likely to change his mind. Everywhere he goes the Governor receives a most flattering reception and this must make him feel that he has the support of the people. t . It has been urged upon Mr. Lang that he should point out to the Governor that the Government has completely lost control of business in the Upper House. It is considered that the rejection of vital clauses in the Milk Bill, which was intended to revolutionise the distribution of milk in the city of Sydney, the delay in the passage of the Arbitration Amendment Bill containing so many principles dear to the heart of Labour, and the rejection of the measure that would have permitted gambling om greyhound racing after tin hares, are sufficient reasons why the Governor should agree to swamp the Chamber. ’ . The problem is not nearly so simple as it may seem after a study of these facts. All along the tactics of the Council have been, superior to those employed by Mr. Lang, and he is regarded as a past master in political tactics. It would be quite an easy matter to point out to the Governor that the Labour Government is not without support in the Upper House. For instance, the Council has passed tiie far-reaching Transport Co-ordination BUI, and also agreed to the measure increasing- the child endowment tax. Both these biffs were opposed by the Opposition m the Legislative Assembly. Sir Philip Game might reply that there is amp e evidence that the Ministry has ample support in the Council. ■ , ~ No doubt Mr. Lang has realised the hopelessness of again appealing ' to the Governor. It is likely that he will delay any action until the Privy Council decides what the fate of the Chamber is to be. If the Government wins the case, soon to be argued, the Legislative Council will "o out of existence immediately. It has already signed its own death warrant. If the Government loses the appeal, then a referendum will be necessary.