Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, JULY 21, 1944. AUSTRALIAN REFRENDUM.

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 July 1944, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, JULY 21, 1944. AUSTRALIAN REFRENDUM.

f JHIE Australian home front is not particularly harmonious, at present, several matters arousing controversy. As in other lands, the miners are acting in arbitrary fashion, and Mr. Curtin confesses inability to deal with them, appeals to their patriotism go unheeded, and the eloquence of Parliamentarians, Australian and British,- has little permanent effect. Meanwhile, industries and households, besides the Avar effort, are gravely inconvenienced. As in New Zealand, the miners have no serious grievances, but are taking advantage of the country’s urgent need of coal, demonstrating that “profiteering” where labour is concerned, can be just as mischievous as anything the “bloated capitalist” can attempt. Australia is also perturbed by the controversy as to whether the Federal Government should be given increased powers. Jealousy between the Commonwealth and the States has been prevalent since federation was brought about 44 years ago. The States claim, not without reason, that lhe Commonwealth, has gradually infringed oit the States’ rights, and that further trespass should be opposed. Many in Australia favour the abolition of State Parliaments, pointing out the costly absurdity of so many ruling bodies for a population of about seven millions. The i*eply is that the enormous distances between centres in the Continent prevent any one Parliament being capable of safeguarding the welfare of all, and that the interests, say, of Western Australia and Ncav South Wales often clash. The Avar’s needs have stressed the importance of greater unity of administration when dealing Avith outside affairs, but othei’Avise the issue is mainly domestic, and not of concern to non-Australians. On August .19 a referendum is to be taken of the Australian people seeking approval for a proposal to give tb the CommouAvealth Government additional poAver.s for five years after the Avar Avhich, it says, Avill be necessary to deal Avith post-war problems. There are 14 issues, some of Avhich it is mutually agreed should be answered in the affirmative. Chief opposition comes to the proposals in connection Avith employment, marketing, controlled prices and production. The proposals have to be accepted, or rejected ns a whole, and the Opposition has decided to urge a refusal of the Federal demands. The Press, for the most part, is supporting the Opposition, the chief fear being that regimentation of private enterprise and individuals Avill be increased if the ucav powers are granted.

The Commonwealth constitution provides that a Bill for a referendum must be passed by both Houses of the Federal Parliament, and this has been done. To pass, the proposed law must receive the approval o f. — (1) A majority of electors in a majority of States; and (2) a majority of all electors voting. The prophets are cautious, and neither side is confident about the result. Mr. Curtin’s influence is expected to sway many voters. Following this week’s session of the Federal Parliament, a vigorous campaign throughout the Continent will be undertaken by the respective leaders, and doubtless New Zealand will receive progress reports during the next four weeks. Not that the Dominion is particularly interested, apart from the fact that the Labour Government is apt'to look for a lead from Australia and further Government control m the Commonwealth may be followed by increased regimentation in New Zealand.