FEDERAL POLITICS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXI, Issue 136, 9 June 1906, Page 5

FEDERAL POLITICS.

« DEBATE ON THE ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. SPEECH BY t MR. REID. [press association.") MELBOURNE, Bth May. In the Federal House of Representatives to-day, Mr. Reid resumed the debate on the Address-in-Reply. He urged the necessity for fiscal peace, and denounced the Government alliance with the Labour Party. Ho insisted that the burning question was Socialism versus Anti-Socialism. Mr. Deakin's ciy, '"Australia for Australians," was unpatriotic and pernicious. The cry was even being carried to the defence system. It was treason to reserve the best military position for Australians, as the lives of the people depended on the efficiency of the military commanders, who ought to be the best available, no matter where they came irom. He considered that a progressive land tax was a matter' for the States, and not for the Commonwealth, and he condemned the Home Rule resolutions recently adopted ' in Parliament. Mr. Reid also attacked the Government for shirking the pressing question of the repatriation of kanakas. His remaiks drew from Sir John Forrest a statement that his support of a progressive land tax was with a view of bursting up the big estates. Mr. Deakin, in a lengthy reply, defended the Home Rule resolutions and the support given the Natal Government in the recent crisis. A definite immigration policy would, ho said, bo initiated when replies were received from the States regarding the land available. The arrangements now progressing for the deportation of kanakas would be carried out in the most humane way possible.* An attempt to draw him, on the land tax failed, Mr. Deakiu declaring that he would not make any premature declaration on the subject. He claimed that the ( vital question of the session was the redistribution of seats. The debate was adjourned.