POLITICAL CRISIS IN AUSTRALIA.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18847, 9 April 1931, Page 9

POLITICAL CRISIS IN AUSTRALIA.

Call For General Election. MR SCULLIN’S MODIFIED ATTITUDE. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright MELBOURNE, April 8. The Prime Minister has modified his statement in regard to a dissolution. He now says the Government will persevere with the Fiduciary Note Issue Bill, to provide money for wheat growers, also the unemployed. If the Senate this week rejects the Bill, it will be sent back after the prescribed three months have elapsed. If again rejected, the Government will ask for a double dissolution. Mr J. H. Scullin added that a dissolution of one House would not decide anything. Thus, it would be three months or longer before elections occur. FACING BIG DEFICITS. COMMONWEALTH’S DIRE PLIGHT. United Press Association—By Electrlo Tel egr aph—Copyright CANBERRA, April 8. The estimated deficits of the Commonwealth and State Governments for the current financial year will be more than £24,000,000, made up as follows: £ Commonwealth 12,000,000 New South Wales 8,000,000 Victoria 1,500,000 Queensland 500,000 South Australia 1,000,000 West Australia 900,000 Tasmania 100,000 The accumulated deficits of Australia are expected to be about £50,000,000, and the Commonwealth deficit for the next financial year will be approximately £15,000,000. GO TO THE PEOPLE.” FORMER COLLEAGUE’S DEMAND. United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright (Received April 8, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, April 8. Mr J. L. Lyons, M.P., commenting on Mr Scullin’s decision to delay the Federal elections for three months or longer says the Prime Minister is merely sparring for time. “The honest thing to do is to go to the people at once.” LOW PRICES OF AUSTRALIAN STOCK. : PLEA FOR HOLD UP OF SELLING. United Press Association—By Electrlo ' Telegraph—Copyright (Received April 8, 9.10 p.m.) , LONDON. April 8. . The “Morning Post” discussing the L desirability of holding up the selling > of Australian stocks at present low l prices, emphasises that the country’s natural resources are so great to make ! the bonds look exceedingly cheap. > The paper concludes that it is not 1 necessary to sell Australians at the pre- ; sent level, but economics are so inter--1 mingled with politics that there must • be a period of anxiety until the elections, and until there are clear signs of the fulfilment of all contracts. MR SCULLIN IN DANGER. [ ABSENCE OF BEASLEY GROUP. ' United Press Association—By ©ectrle Telegraph—Copyright t (Received April 9, 12.55 a.m.) SYDNEY, April 8. When the House of Representatives reassembles on April 14, the Scullin . Government will be without a majority, ’ owing to the fact that the Beasley group of Labourites will be campaigning with the Premier (Mr Lang) who is placing his financial plan before the L people in other States. Mr Beasley notified Mr Scullin acy cordingly, whereupon Mr Scullin tele- ) graphed insisting on Mr Beasley and L his colleagues should be in their places . at the re-opening of the session. J Mr Beasley replied that they were ! unavailable until 21st, therefore unless Parliament is prorogued, the Government is certain to be defeated. [A previous cablegram said:—The Prime Minister (Mr J. H. Scullin) in a speech at the Victorian Labour Conference, declared that the Ministry would appeal to the people if the Fiduciary Bill is rejected by the Senate. The announcement was received with applause.]