QUEENSLAND SERIOUSLY DISCUSSING SECESSION.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 43, 20 February 1931, Page 1

QUEENSLAND SERIOUSLY DISCUSSING SECESSION.

Minister Declares Constitutional Position Is Being Investigated.

(United Press Association.—-By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received February 20, 10.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, February 20. Mr Godfrey Morgan, Queensland Minister of Railways, who was interviewed in Sydney, said that there was a growing feeling in the north in favour of secession from the Federation.

“We are watching the position closely. It would appear that if Mr Lang’s financial scheme is given effect to we would be better off on our own. The question of secession has been freely discussed by the Queensland Cabinet, and, though no decision has been reached, the constitutional position in the event of secession is being investigated.”

“ Queensland as a State is strenuously opposed to any scheme of repudiation of debts. It is the only State that has attempted to carry out the Xiemeyer recommendations, and though the Budget might not be actually balanced this year, Queensland’s finances certainly are in a better position than those of some of her sister States. If Mr Lang's proposals are carried the sooner we get out the better. We will not have Queensland reduced tp the level of New South Wales in the eyes of the world.’’ The new State movement in northern New South Wales is spreading rapidly in the districts affected. Advocates of the scheme stress the fact that no unconstitutional action is contemplated. Public feeling will be thoroughly tested by referendum, or a petition to the Federal Parliament. If the latter does not act an appeal will be made to the British Government on the grounds of the misgovernment of New South Wales. Riverina also is in a ferment, and indignation is expressed at Mr Lang’s repudiation suggestions. The district is likely to co-operate in the northern new State agitation.

He was quite aware, he continued, that steps were being taken by those opposed to Labour to resort to force. An ex-member of the House was oqp of the organisers. He was also informed that organisations were already formed in Victoria and South Australia, and that these people were armed. Consequently, if an attempt were made to do this in New South Wales the Government would not stand idly by but would certainly deal with them. Sir Thomas Henley: Bring out your Communists. Mr Lang: I will show them that the laws are just as sacred when Labour is in power as when anti-Labour is in office.