MR. WATT'S RESIGNATION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16762, 11 June 1920, Page 3

MR. WATT'S RESIGNATION.

MORE THEORIES SUGGESTED. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. LONDON, June 9. Discussing Mr. AVatt’e resignation, another well-informed Anglo-Australian authority, -while not prepared to discredit the alleged disagreement concerning the indemnity, stated emphatically that the immediate cause of the disagreement between Mr. AVatt and Mr. Hughes related to wool profits. Mr. Watt brought to England a a complete scheme sanctioned by the Commonwealth Cabinet for the collection and allocation of wool profits. In connection ■with the Commonwealth’s financial obligations in London, Mr. Watt carried through successful negotiations with the Imperial Government and informed Mr. Hughes, who thereupon proposed modifications Mr. Watt refused to re-open negotiations, and Mr. Hughes replied that Cabinet insisted. Mr. Watt then cabled that, having apparently forfeited the confidence of his ho felt com relied to resign.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MELBOURNE, June 10. i In view of Mr. Watt’s resignation the opinion is current in political circles that a general election will he held shortly.' It is now announced that the resignation is due to a difference with Mr. Hughes as to the extent of Mr. Watt’s executive powers, ,ho claiming a free hand, which Cabinet was not prepared to concede.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A FURTHER STATEMENT. (Received June 11, 9.25 a.m.l LONDON, Juno 10. Replying to press cables from Melbourne in which Mr. Hughes denies knowlidgc of Mr. Watt’s resignation, the latter informs the Australian Press Association that Mr. Hughes knows all the circumstances of his resignation. "Frequent cables have passed between us during the last fortnight. Mr. Hughes received my cabled resignation • on the 24th, before it was announced to the press.” Mr. Watt, questioned regarding the disagreement regarding the wool scheme, informed the Australian Press Association representative that there was a lot more behind it than the wool business. Matters had been approaching a crisis for a fortnight past. Mr. Watt added that ho would not say another word. Ho was leaving his hotel and disappearing into the void leaving no address. He was taking a long holiday of which ho was much in need. _ The Financial News, in a leader entitled "Watts it Mean?” says the resignation may create an awkward position. It leaves financial negotiations in the ai.r. Whatever may be the result of his action on his sympathetic colleagues in the Hughes Cabinet this is a pity, because the negotiations arc of the first importaftce. Possibly some statement as to the exact nature of the strain between Mr. Hughes and Sir. M att mav shortly be rnude.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MR. HUGHES NON-COMMITTAL. GIVEN UP TO RABBIT SHOOTING. (Received Juno 11, 11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, June 11. Mr. Hughes still preserves a sphinxlike attitude respecting Mr. Watt’s resignation, and states that nothing is officially before him and lie is reserving comment until Jater. Meanwhile he is rabbit shooting at Wagga. In Melbourne the dramatic resignation is regretted, but he is blamed by his colleagues for his precipitancy. It is suggested that Mr. Wa’tt sought Cabinet’s acquiescence in a certain direction, intimating that he would vacate the Trcasurership unless it was forthcoming. Acquiescence being refused his resignation followed as ■ter of course. His actuating motives are so far largely a matter of speculation.