Backbenchers Critica[?]
p. 38 · Read in the full issue
Smothered!
Of Hasluck Bulldozes[?]
• A threatened revolt by Libs is members against the methods f\ lowed by Territories Minim Hasluck, in introducing income tax. tion to Papua and New Guim without public discussion in An. tralia or New Guinea was apparent gnashed on May 7 by Acting Prit\ Minister McEwan. Mr. McEwan ax other Ministers rallied to the aid 5 the much-criticised Mr. Hasluck. .
TROUBLE had been simmerix for weeks.
Members who knew somethix oi what had been going on w© as resentful of Mr. Ha slue I methods—in ramming the Taxati-i Bills down the throat of the officic dominated Legislative Council, bri fore submitting the new measuiu and policy to the Commonweal!.
Parliament—as were the people Papua and New Guinea. But thr were given no chance to debate tl: matter in Parliament.
On May 6, at a meeting of Liben and Country members, a small groic —notably, Sir Wilfrid Kent Hughix Messrs. R. C. Wheeler, L. H.
Bury, W. C. Wentworth, and Prx fessor F. A. Bland—very strongs criticised, not the tax, but tld method of its introduction by tl Minister; and threatened that, the Government would not git them a chance of discussing tl: matter on the floor of the Housi they would stage a revolt.
Mr. Hasluck fought back; am according to some reports, the dii 1 cussion was very bitter. He insists that both Papua-New Guinea Legii lative Council and Parliamentarian had had plenty of opportunities « debating the Taxation Bills.
No Special Debate
The Acting Prime Minister an, other Ministers met the rebels a group on May 7 and made a d»! tailed defence of the course follows by the Territories Minister.
These were private meetings There are no official reports of whs: occurred.
According to some reports, tH Government will not provide oppon tunity for a special debate.
The Acting Prime Minister afters wards denied that there had beer any revolt and suggested that ac now is calm.
In other words, all criticism o Mr. Hasluck and of high-handed methods in Papua arir: New Guinea has been effectively smothered.