IS IT A BREACH OF ’ COURTESY?

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18555, 30 April 1930, Page 9

IS IT A BREACH OF ’ COURTESY?

Mr Scullin’s False Move.

SELECTING THE KING’S REPRESENTATIVE. (United Press Association—By Electrle Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received April 29, 11.15 p.m.) SYDNEY, April 29. There Is a sharp controversy throughout Australia concerning the probability of an Australian appointment to the Governor-Generalship. A large section of the people has already expressed opposition to the innovation. The Prime Minister, however, declines to make any statement. He describes it as a delicate question. The special correspondent of the “Morning Post” says that while Whitehall maintains a complete silence, it is pretty clear what has happened. Mr Scullin wanted an Australian as Governor-General, and decided upon Sir Isaac Isaacs, who was prepared to accept. Cabinet accepted his name, and then submitted the name to Britain. In other words, Sir Isaac Isaacs was recommended, but Mr Scullin may thereby have committed a breach of courtesy, if not of the Constitution. It is the practice for His Majesty to submit names to the Dominions for their consideration. There may be no reason why an Australian-born should not be the King’s representative, but it is for His Majesty to say who will be. In such an eventuality, fils Majesty would want full assurances that the appointment would meet with practically unanimous approval. This is definitely not the case in the presI ent situation. ! The returned soldiers’ organisations oppose the idea, also other representative bodies. Moreover, Sir Isaac Isaacs is seventy-five years of age. Mr Scullin has waxed indignant that a leakage has occurred, but it is a fortunate accident, as public opinion has had an opportunity to express itself on an issue of grave Imperial importance.