PUBLIC SERVANTS GO WITHOUT PAY

Wanganui Chronicle, 4 October 1947, Page 5

PUBLIC SERVANTS GO WITHOUT PAY

STATE MAY BE FORCED INTO ELECTION

Recd. 1 a.m. Melbourne, Oct. 3 No developments in the State political crisis occurred today and no more seem likely before next week.

Public servants missed their fortnightly pay today as a result of the refusal of the Legislative Council to grant the Government supply. Despite official rejection, many public servants accepted the trading banks’ offer of inter-est-free loans to tide them over until official payments are available.

The banks, however, deny they are behind a political move to force an election as a protest against hte Federal Government’s bank nationalisation proposal.

The Victorian stalemate will probably continue until Tuesday, when possibly the Government will submit a third Supply Bill, following the rejection of which by th? Council the Government will probably seek a dissolution and an election as demanded by the Opposition.

Various Public Service associations are deeply concerned with the holding of their fortnightly pay today. The Police Association at a meeting tonight is expected to make a strong protest, but it is not expected to take drastic action.

Meanwhile, the Government, with an eye on election prospects, introduced in the Assembly today a Bill to hold a referendum on the Legislative Council with three questions: (1) Abolition of the Council. (2) Adult franchise.

(3) That the present franchise al the Council be limited to property-' owners, tenants, persons educated to university standard and certain officers of His Majesty's services. The Bill is expected to pass the Assembly tonight, but may be shelved when it reaches the Legislative Council on Tuesday.