POLICY SPEECH

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 119, 13 February 1920, Page 7

POLICY SPEECH

NEW SOUTH WALES PREMIER j

GOVERNMENT PROGRAMME i OUTLINED

(By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright

Sydney, February 12.

Mr. W. A. Holmnn, Premier of New South Wales, in delivering a speech at Goulburn. said that Parliament would he dissolved immediately, and the election would be held on March 20. The Government proposed to introduce a scheme of motherhood endowment, allowuncos to bo made to mothers of three or more children, in augmentation of tho recently-given increase in' the living wage. It was also proposed to establish a fund to support the families of consumptive undergoing cure. After reviewing the Governments elforts to increase production, he outlined vigorous developmental schemes to promote settlement in Hie open country, including an extensive hydro-cleetno scheme, the reafforestation of-livo. million acres, and water conservation and irrigation plans. Referring to assistance given to farmers, ho said .£120,000 had so far been disbursed, and a further million Unci been set apart. Replying to charges of extravagance levelled against Hio Government, he stated that the increased cost of government was not due to extravagance, but to the depreciated value of money and tho increased cost of living. Referring to tho attitude of the workprs. Mr. Holman said the "workers' charter" under the National Government secured full freedom in work against risks of disease, unhealthy and dangerous conditions. sweating and opprcssipn. Ihe Government was establishing ' Whitley Councils in Government employment. The Government would proceed immediately with a scheme for the treatment of venereal disease and the establishment of maternity hospitals and rest homes. Mr. Holman concluded by saying that tho Government would support and encourage the paper-making industry, and would assist private enterprise to establish mills. It would also aid in the inauguration of commercial aviation.— Press Assn.