GRAVE RIFT IN LABOUR RANKS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18807, 20 February 1931, Page 9

GRAVE RIFT IN LABOUR RANKS.

Leaders “ Under Orders.” OPEN DEFIANCE ANTICIPATED. United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, February 19. The State Executive of the Australian Labour Party decided to instruct Mr Theodore to speak in the East Sydney campaign in support of Mr Lang’s financial policy. It is not expected that he will comply, and a motion for his expulsion from the Party may result. MR BAVIN HITS OUT. GENERAL ELECTION DEMANDED. United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, February 19. Mr T. R. Bavin, referring to yesterday’s gagging of the Opposition in the Assembly, said that further efforts on the floor of the House will not serve any good purpose in protecting the honour of the State, or averting the disaster which threatens. He intends, therefore, to devote his time and energies to co-operation with other parties and organisations in a State-wide effort to arouse such a body of public opinion as will compel an early appeal to the people. No other course offers hope of relief. WORKERS’ LATEST DEMANDS. PROPOUNDED BY MR JOCK GARDEN. United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, February 19. Mr J. S. Garden’s amendments to the general strike proposal, moved by Mr Chapman, of the New South Wales railways, comprised the appointment of a committee of four to place before the Federal and State Governments immediately the following demands: (1) A shorter working week. (2) The restoration of the 10 per cent reduction of wages in certain awards recently ordered by the Arbitration Court. (3) An assurance that there should be no reduction of old age, infirmity, invalid or war pensions. (4) Provision of food, clothing, and shelter for unemployed workers in accordance with the standard of the Harnester judgment. Mr Garden stated that Mr Lang appealed to him to furnish a statement of what the workers demanded, and had given an assurance that he intended to see the demands granted. Mr Garden added that from previous experience, he and certain Federal politicians would again procrastinate, so he moved the amendments formally to throw the onus on the Federal Ministry. Personally he favoured a general strike.

CONFLICT OF LABOUR POLICIES. SCULLIN GOVERNMENT United Press Association—By Elactrlo Tel egraph—Copyright (Received February 19, 10.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 19. The Trades’ Council meeting’s proposal for a general strike has been temporarily shelved. Intentions of Mr Lyons. It was learned from Canberra to-day that Mr Lyons (former PostmasterGeneral and Acting Treasurer), is prepared to bring about the downfall of the Scullin Government, if it persists with Mr Theodore’s financial plan. Press lobbyists say that the pendulum is swinging towards Mr Lyons, but the rank and file of the Party are in such a hopeless state of confusion, that they do not know which way to turn, or what to do next. Silence of Mr Scullin. Mr Scullin, in the meantime, remains silent, and cannot be induced to comment on the outlook. Clash of Labour Factions. A special meeting of the New South Wales Federal Labour members, was held to-day at which it was decided by a large majority, to disregard the instruction of the State Labour Executive, that they should help in the East Sydney by-election campaign, embracing Mr Lang’s repudiation policy. The Federal Labour caucus this afternoon carried a motion supporting Mr Theodore’s financial proposals. Extremists Active. Amid uproarious scenes, the Congress of the Australian Council of Trade Unions to-day decided to send a delegation to Canberra to demand that the Federal Government immediately declase “a state of national emergency.” Messrs Chapman, Douglas, Crofts, Hoare, and Garden, comprise the delegation. They will endeavour to corapell the Government to take action along the lines of Garden’s proposals mainly to prevent a 10 per cent, wage cut. An extremely ugly situation developed outside the Congress meeting place at the Sydney Trades Hall, the Red element chalking the footpath with inflamatory appeals to precipitate in a revolt, and making many unsuccessful attempts to gain admission. Finally the police were compelled to arrest the three ringleaders. DEEP CONCERN IN ENGLAND. WAR DEBT BURDEN DISCUSSED. United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Corvright (Received February 19, 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, February 19. The “Financial News” says that Australian stocks are depressed by the renewed declaration that Mr Lang favors the reduction of interest payments.

Fortunately the exchange portion has not become worse. If anything, the pressure on the outside market has diminished and rates have lately fallen to within half to one per cent, of official rates. The “Financial Times” reviews the circumstances of the Australian war debt. It says that an idea that the burden of repayment is onerous, has been deliberately and maliciously fostered by the Extremists in support of their general campaign for debt repudiation. The outcry against the alleged severity of the terms is belated and is based on the most insecure foundation. Overseas liabilities are largely a matter of contract between the Commonwealth the States, and the individual investors. In (regard to relief in respect of the annual interest and sinking fund payments, the Imperial Government might be able to lessen Australia’s difficulties, but it must be recognised that should any amelioration prove possible, it would need to be on the ground of sympathy and not right. The editoral concludes that other debtor Dominions might consider themselves aggrieved by exclusion from similar privileged treatment.

DECISION OF FEDERAL CAUCUS. MR THEODORE’S POLICY ENDORSED. United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright (Received February 20, 1.50 a.m.) CANBERRA, February 19. A resolution was carried by the Federal Caucus to-day, approving of Mr Theodore’s financial plan, and resolving: “That this Party approves of the Commonwealth Government, continuing negotiations with the banks, on the lines laid down by the Prime Minister and Mr Theodore, and in the event of these negotiations failing, the Government is hereby instructed to proceed to secure legislative power to give effect to the Party’s platform in regard to banking and currency.” This plank aims at the nationalisation of banking.