FEDERAL POLITICS

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 133, 21 February 1923, Page 7

FEDERAL POLITICS

PRIME MINISTER APPEALS FOR UNITY 1 IN SOLVING DIFFICULT PROBLEMS The now Federal Prime Minister says he believes the CoaFiticjn Cabinet will provide a stable Government and ensure a reasonable period of freedom from political turmoil and unrest. by Tblegbaph— Press association. —Copyright. Sydney, February 20. Mr. S. M. Bruce, Prime Minister of Australia, speaking at the MiDiona Club, said he believed that the composite Government now formed would provide a stable Government which would ensure a reasonable period of freedom from political turmoil and unrest. He intimated that at the earliest opportunity the Government would remove all legislative restrictions im-jx.-sed on trade and commerce during the war. He appealed to all parties to “let the dead past bury its dead,” and work with whole-hearted unity in solving the difficult problems of th® day .— Press Assn. MAIN POINTS OF POLICY STATES TO IMPOSE ALL DIRECT TAXATION Sydney, February 20. The “Herald” states that the main points of policy agreed upon between Mr. Bruce and Dr. Earle Page are the surrender by the Commonwealth to the States of all direct taxation: abolition of the present per capita payment of 255. by the Commonwealth to the States, and instead tlie States to pay the Commonwealth per capita a payment of 30s. ; the elimination of duplication of administration between the Commonwealth and the States; the reorganisation of the Post Office with, if possible, a reduction of charges; reduction of Customs duties on agricultural and farming implements and requirements; tho appointment of a convention to give effect to the new States movement; the reorganisation of the Commonwealth Bank, and the establishment of a system of rural credit*. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.