RIFT IN LABOUR’S RANKS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18819, 6 March 1931, Page 9

RIFT IN LABOUR’S RANKS.

Attitude of Ex-Ministers. WILL VOTE FOR CENSURE MOTION. United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright (Received March 5, 9.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, March 5. Mr Lyons, in an interview, said he expected that four members of the Labour Party would vote against the Scullin Government on the no-con-fidence motion. He would take an opportunity of making his own position clear. It is expected Mr Lyons will announce his secession from the Labour ranks. CHALLENGE TO MR SCULLIN. SYDNEY’S BITTER OPPOSITION. United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, March 5. A prominent member of the Australian Labour Party Executive said that should the presence of Messrs Beasley, Eldridge and Lazzarini be necessary to save the Federal Government against the censure motion, the State A. L. P. would instruct them to remain in Sydney until the East Sydney by-election campaign is over. The “Labour Daily” says in the event of the vote being taken tomorrow, the Government is almost certain to be defeated. Another Revolt. An intriguing position has developed in Federal politics. Mr D. C. McGrath has refused to accept the decision of the caucus and will not resign his position as Chairman of Committees. Unless Mr McGrath voluntarily resigns, the new appointee, Mr L. L. | Cunningham, is powerless to assert his claim. A motion in the House to suspend Mr McGrath would be opposed by his friends as well as the Opposition, which would not lose the chance to defeat the Government.

FEDERAL CABINET IN DANGER OF DEFEAT. DESERTED BY NEW SOUTH WALES LABOURITES. United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright (Received March 6, 1.5 a.m.) SYDNEY, February 5. The Federal Ministry is in grave danger of defeat on the no-confidence motion, especially if the division is taken to-morrow. The Government Whip (Mr E. C. Ril£?) telegraphed from Canberra to all Labourites to be in their places when Mr Latham launches his noconfidence motion at 11 o’clock tomorrow. The New South Wales Labour Executive has instructed its Federal members. to defy the summons in order to see the East Sydney byelection through. LIVELY SCENES IN FEDERAL HOUSE. CRIES OF “SHAME” GREET THEODORE. United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright (Received March 5, 9.25 p.m.) CANBERRA, March 5. The Opposition in the House of Representatives made hostile demonstrations against the Federal Treasurer, while the Prime Minister was announcing the names of the reconstructed Ministry. Immediately Mr Theodore’s name was called, a chorus of Opposition voices shouted “shame.” Pandemonium prevailed and Mr Bayley was compelled to apologise to avoid removal from the House. Later Mr Theodore gave notice of his intention to introduce the Fiduciary Currency Bill. The Opposition again shouted “shame,” and endeavoured to prevent him speaking, whereupon the Prime Minister appealed to the Opposition to record its protest in an orthodox manner. Mr Forde (Minister for Customs) announced the Government’s intention to remove the duty on sheepskins, and also refund all duty paid. Censure Motion. Mr J. H. Satham (Leader of the Opposition) gave notice of his intention to move that the “Government no longer possesses the confidence of the House.” The Prime Minister secured an adjournment until the following day.