Mr J. MacCallum Smith Returns

Item

Title

Mr J. MacCallum Smith Returns

name

Secession Delegation

datePublished

August 25, 1935

isPartOf

pageStart

32

url

identifier

59449667

Description

A newspaper article describing James MacCallum Smith's return to WA after the failure of the secession delegation to London.

content

Secession Delegation
Mr. J. MacCALLUM SMITH RETURNS
SPIRITED CRITICISM OF BRITISH
GOVERNMENT'S ATTITUDE
Folks of all shades of political opinion on Tuesday gathered
to meet Mr. J. MacCallum Smith, M.L.A., who returned by the
Orama after an absence of nearly 12 months in the Old Country
as a member of the Secession Delegation.
In company with Mr. H. K. Watson,
Mr. Smith proceeded to England last
September and joined Sir Hal. Cole-
batch (Agent-General) and Mr. M. L.
Moss. K.C., who comprised the other
members of the delegation. After some
months occupied in observing British
constitutional formalities, the delega-
tion submitted its petition to a Joint
Committee of the House of Commons
and the House of Lords. This com-
mittee decided that the petition could
not be accepted by the Mother of Par-
liaments.
During the week Mr. Smith was en-
tertained by the Dominion League,
and in a spirited speech he severely
criticised the British Government's
attitude towards the delegation and
the petition. "Had the settlement
been left to public opinion," he de-
clared, "the State would have obtained
justice."
Referring to general matters, Mr.
Smith said that he was
GREATLY IMPRESSED
with the progress of Britain, despite
the depression. He described the Old
Country as a "'hive of industry." The
Jubilee Celebrations, which he wit-
nessed, were a marvellous demonstra-
tion of loyalty to the Throne.
While, away Mr. Smith purchased
some valuable stud stock which
will stand in Western Australia.
They should prove an acquisition
to the pastoral industry generally.
Now that he has returned, Mr.
Smith will resume contact with his
extensive business Interests. Elec-
tors in the North Perth constituency,
whom he has represented in the Leg-
islative Assembly since 1914, will be
pleased to have him back again to
fight their political battles.
The added knowledge he has
gained of London's financial mar-
ket, and his talks with prospec-
tive investors have given him a
great insight into the British at-
titude towards spending money in
the development of Western Aus-
tralia, and this should prove valu-
able in his capacity as a legislator.
Mr. Smith, who, by the way, is now
enjoying splendid health, met many
Western Australians abroad, and
brought back numerous goodwill mes-
sages to friends in this State.

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