SUGAR INDUSTRY.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1617, 7 December 1912, Page 5

SUGAR INDUSTRY.

WHITE AUSTRALIA POLICY, MORE LEGISLATION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Oopyriehf Melbourne, Deoember G. Speaking in tlio House, tho Prime Minister, Mr. Andrew Fisher, stated that hq had communicated with, tho various Gov. ornmonts in reference to the Sugar Com. mission's report, and had asked thelh to tuko action. If tho Premier of Queensland complied with his request, a Bill dealing ivith tho matter would bo intra, duced during the current session.

Brisbane, December 6. The Premier, Mr. Denharn, announced that Mr,. Fisher had advised him that tho Federal Government proposed to introduce Bills this session to abolish the Sugar Excise and Bounty Acts, and also to prohibit coloured labour. He had much* pleasure in complying with the' request to introduce legislation dealing with coloured labour. He sincerely trusted that tho Commission's proposals would end the unrest and ensure the stability ' of tho industry.

PROMPT SUPPORT PROMISED, (liec. Deoember C, 10 p.m.) Brisbane, December G. Tho Premier, in his reply to Mr. added that as the people of Australia de< siro tho sugar industry to be a white labour one, ho would gladly support any:' arrangement to secure the realisation: of this policy. In order to pay white workers the highest wages consistent with the prosperity of tho industry, he woulS promise to enlarge tlie Industrial Bill to include sugar workers. ■ Commenting on the position in Queensland, the Premier said the State oould easily raise the sugar required in Australia, but, lie added, under our artificial conditions, immediately we reach the limit of Commonwealth consumption, production is curtailed, and now that we are realising the conditions under which Cane must Iw grown, and the importance of settling the North-east of Australia, any sacrifice required will bring amplo justification nild reward."