LABOUR'S POLICY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 283, 26 November 1908, Page 5

LABOUR'S POLICY.

MR. FISHER'S ANNOUNCEMENT. REFERENDUM ON NEW PROTECTION. MELBOURNE, November 25. The Prime Minister, Mr. lusher, made an important statement in the House of Representatives to-day regarding the Government's policy.

The Government looked forward, he said, to not more than 14 more sitting days. There had not been time for the Government to give attention to any large issues of policy. Referring to finances, he said the Customs would, in all likelihood, show an improvement of about £89,000. That arose largely through a ! decrease in the production of sugar. The Government hoped to give fuIJ effect to the old age pensions scheme. He could not accept Sir William Lyne's estimate of the amount required. His own idea was that the amount would he about I £1.500,000. The Government would see that sufficient funds were available for the purpose. As to the "new protection," the Ministry proposed to appeal to the people by referendum to give such powers to Parliament as would enable H to give protection to the worker as well as the manufacturer.

The Government, he added, accepted I the division given on the capital site question, and would introduce a bill to enable a suitable area to be chosen, and the bill would be introduced this session. The Iron Bonus Bill would be proceeded witn, but some amendments would be introduced. 10.10 a.m.)

MELBOURNE, this day. Mr. Fisher stated that the Capital Sites Bill will ask for an area of 900 square miles, with access to the sea. If the Senate did not agree to the amendments in the Iron Bonus Bill it would be continued without them.

I The Senate negatived the proposal to purchase a site in Trafalgar Square for London Commonwealth offices. Mr. Fisher subsequently stated that the matter would be dropped.