N.S.W. ELECTIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 37, 12 February 1920, Page 5

N.S.W. ELECTIONS.

FIXED FOR MARCH 12. GOVERNMENT'S PROGRAMME. (Received 1.10 p.m. SYDNEY, this day. Mr. VV. K. Holman. Premier of N'.S.W., delivering a policy speech at Goulburn, said that Parliament would he dissolved immediately and the elections would be held on March 20. The Governmen proposes to introduce a scheme of motherhood endowment, special allowances being made to mothers with three or more children in augmentation of the recent increase in the living wage. It is also proposed to establish a fund to support families of consumptives undergoing a cure.

After reviewing the Government's efforts to increase production. Mr. Holman outlined vigorous development schemes to promote settlement and open the country, including an extensive hydro-electric scheme, the re-afforesta-tion of five million acres, and water conservation and irrigation.

Referring to the assistance given to farmers lip said Unit £120.000 so far had been disbursed, and m further million set apart. In regard to the charge of extravagance levelled at the Government Mr. Holman stated that the increased i.oßt of government wan not due to extravagance, but to the depreciated value of money, nnd the increased cost of living. Referring to the attitude of the workers the Premier said the workers' charter under the National Government secured full freedom in work against risks of disease, unhealthy or dangerous conditions, sweating or oppression. The Government) was establishing Whitlcy Councils in connection with Government employment, and would proceed immediately with a scheme for the treafinrnt of venereal disease and the establishment of maternity hospitals and rest homes. Tie concluded that the Government wouTd encourage the support of the paper making industry, and would assist private enterprise to establish mille. The Government would nlso aid the inauguration of commercial aviation. — (A. and X.Z. Table.)

HOMAGE AND RIOT. STREET FIGHTING IN BREST. (Received 11.311 a.m. BREST. February 11. Several hours' disorder, marked by serious incidents, occurred when ex-sol-diers, including a blind decorated poilu. defying the Socialist Mayor's prohibition, forced a cordon of police and marched in procession to pay homage to a monument erected to workers who fell in the war. A rival Socialist procession engaged in a free fight with the patriots' procession, respective crowds singing the ■■Jfars%illaisof' and the "Internationale.'" — (A. and N.Z. Cable.)