POLITICS IN AUSTRALIA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 280, 24 November 1903, Page 5

POLITICS IN AUSTRALIA.

AN INTERVIEW WITH A FEDERAL

MEMBER.

Yesterday a member of our staff had an interview- with Mr. Cruk'kshanks, M.H.R. for C. wider, N.S.W., in the Federal Parliament, on questions now stirring the political world of Australia. Mr. Cruickshunks has been a member of the -Sew South Wales Parliament,- is a member of the original Federal Parliament, and has been a supporter of the Barton Government. He is now on a visit to Now Zealand as the guest of Sir Rupert Clarke.

Mr. Cruickshanks -was asked what he thought the result of the election now pending would be, and whether ther/e was any likelihood that the present tariff would be disturbed?

"The Government," he replied, "ap- ' pours to be getting on to a clean-cut is- , sue. At the last elation the parties were divided solely on the question of free trade and protection, though Sir E. Barton persisted in saying that the tariff would he one "of moderation, a compromise between the* parties'. He said that the proposals of both sides were impracticable, and the only feasible way was to establish a moderately protective tariff. The tariff was built up on those lines, and was dealt with line by liiso by the Federal Parliament. It was passed into laAv, and has now been in operation for a year or soHmder the name of the. Federal tariff. Mr. Reid, the leader of the Opposition, determiiKjtl to make the liscal issue a question for the present election, and lie has therefore revived the old free-trade cries. However, the Labour party, who have supported the present Government for the past three years, have declared that they have had enough, of the tariff for some time to come. They hold tlrat as it took seventeen months to frame the present tariff, it should not be touched till it, has had a fair trial. Consequently the Labour partly are going to the.country more on thjfc question of fiscal peace than on that of. preferential tariffs. The present GpT'errxmcnt are running as a. Moderate Protection party, and favour a tariff for. British goods, white retaining the present duties on all goods. It means an increase of the duties on non-Brrlish goods. Mr. Reid supports a ires-trade tariff, but invites t'iic support of those preferentialists who would acvpt. the present tariff vrHh eon- ( cessions in favour of England?"

'"Then 7/011 evidently think the position of the pvesent Government safe?" *'Uiidr:r the circumstances I don't see that much can happen to affect the position of the present Government. Mr. DeakJnis appointment to the Premiership has been taken quite as a. matter of course. He has been vrell received on the public platforms, and his appointment has excited no criticism from any party." _____