PREMIERS IN CONFERENCE.

Auckland Star, Issue LI, 24 May 1920, Page 5

PREMIERS IN CONFERENCE.

IMMIGRATION AND DEFENCE.

UNIFIED LABOUR LEGISLATION

MELBOUPvNE, May 23.

The conference of State Premiers and Federal Ministers has opened. Mr. W. M. Hughes urged the necessity of an immigration policy to fill the gaps made in Australia's manhood by the war. The question of defence, he said, must also be dictated by prudence and common sense. There was a need for a uniform railway gauge. The time had come when something in that direction must be done, as it would assist in the development of trade and in dealing with the movements of stock in times of drought. Mr. Hughes also referred to proposed developments in aviation, including postal services by air. He urged the need of the Commonwealth and States acting together as regards industrial legislation, to sweep away anomalies arising from the Commonwealth and States acting independently.

The conference decided to sehd two delegates to an afforestation conference. Estimates were submitted showing that the areas requiring afforestation in the Commonweailbh totalled 24,500,000 acres. The establishment of a school of forestry lin Now South Wales was recommended.

In reference to the unification of the railways, •the conference considered that the conditions since 1913, when the cost was estimated at between £20,000,000 and £30,000,000, had changed, and it would be necessary to revise the estimate before the subject could be definitely dealt with. Mr. H. S. W. Lawson, Premier of Victoria, said the unification of the railways would now probably cost twice as much' as in 1913.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.)