LEADERS’ OPINIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 302, 21 December 1931, Page 1

LEADERS’ OPINIONS.

“ A Staggering Blow,” says Mr Scullin. NEWSPAPER COMMENTS. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received December 21, noon.) SYDNEY, December 21. The Prime Minister, Mr J. H. Scullin, says: “The defeat is the fate of a Government which

Uovernment which was called upon to govern during a financial crisis. It is a staggering blow to the Labour Party, but undoubtedly there will be a strong reaction before many months.” Mr J. A. Lyons, leader of the United Australia Party, reads the result of the election as an expression of t.hp. sound

sion of the sound, commonsense ana patriotism of the people who have taken the long view. “ Our credit in the eyes of the world has been reestablished,” he said. Dr Earle Page, leader of the Country Party, declared that inflation and repudiation had received their quietus. Mr J. G. Latham, deputy leader of the United Australia Party, regards the result as an indication to the world that Australia is determined to resist plans for politically controlling the banking system and for a depreciated currency. Mr T. R.. Bavin, leader of the Nationalist Party in New South Wales, says that the overwhelming majority has made it clear that the public will not tolerate political control of banking. Mr W. M. Hughes, former Prime Minister, declared that the MacDonaldBaldwin victory had been repeated, showing definitely that the people of Australia preferred a Government based on sound finance, rather than fantastic schemes and extremist doctrines. Mr Macpherscm, secretary of the Federal Labour Party, places responsibility for the result on GardenLangism, and says that the ultimate effect will be the raising of a Fascist dictatorship in Australia. Mr Lyons said: “The result is a severe condemnation of the policy of the Government and also of the Lang Plan. The electors, by their verdict, have stopped financial and economic disaster. The difficult task ahead will be tackled with courage and determination. Our aim will be to restore confidence and order. Industry may begin again to employ those who to-day are aut of work.” Mr Lang declares: “The elction results mean that the people have gixen the private banking system a last chance to justify itself. Labour’s long fight is a national one, because nationalisation of banking is just round the corner.” Mr Beasley says: “Our turn is coming because our policy is the only one that can save the people of this country. We feel that the results, so far as New South Wales

are concerned, are very satisfactory to the State Labour Party. It is apparent that the achievement of our policy is at hand. The United Australia Party will fail to solve the problems and provide employment in the s'ame manner as the Scu 11 i n-Theodore Government, and

the Conservatives in England have failed.” MR MACDONALDS INTEREST LONDON, December 19. The Prime Minister, Mr Ramsay MacDonald, is closely watching the Australian election. He asked that early reports indicating the Opposition gains should be transmitted to him at Lossiemouth.