LABOUR'S PROGRAMME

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 77, 1 April 1913, Page 5

LABOUR'S PROGRAMME

IN FEDERAL POLITICS. MAIL AND CABLE SERVICE. AMENDMENT OF THE TARIFF. RECIPROCITY WITH NEW ZEALAND. (By -Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright) (Received 10.50 a..m) BRISBANE, this day. (Mr fisher's policy speech was delivered at Maryborough. The Prime Minister foreshadowed that the financial year would end with a surplus of £2,261,541. Since the Government took office ten millions had been provided out of the revenue for new works. Referring to the referendum, he declared that it was a distinct national matter. Indnstri-al peace could only be secured by increasing the powers of the Commonwealth. Without amended constitution no effective legislation was poFfiible. The new protection, which was the Government's policy, was only economic justice The tariff, though working fairly well, called for readjustment in order to encourage manufacturets. Should the people, lwwever, decide against the amended constitution, the Government would take an early opportunity of amending tlie tariff.

The Government intended to equalise the sugar bounty and excise, with a view to protecting white growers against the unfair competition of employers of coloured labour.

Effort— would be continued to permanently settle a white population in the Northern Territory and to further develop Papua.

The States would be asked to confer with the object of converting State deli—to an Australian Consolidated Debt.

They proposed to establish a line of steamers between the mainland aud Tasmania, and an overseas service was also projected for the more expeditious and efficient carrying of mails and general produce.

A wireless station of great range would be installed at Darwin to link up the Imperial chain.

The sum of £20,000 would be set aside for the prevention and cure of consumption and cancer.

Mr Fisher referred to the forfahcommg conference with the representatives of New Zealand and Canada on the question of reciprocal trade.

He declared that the Pacific cable having to dope— on a private cable across the Atlantic was unsatisfactory. Australia and New Zealand favoured an Atlantic line laid in oTder to allow them through connection with London, and the Government'did not intend to let the matter rest as it is.