FEDERAL ELECTIONS

Grey River Argus, 15 August 1934, Page 5

FEDERAL ELECTIONS

COUNTRY PARTY CASE Leader’s Outline (Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.) (Received August 14 at. 11.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, August 14. The Australian Country Party policy for the Federal elections was outlined by the Leader, Doctor Earle Page, in a broadcast address to-night. Its main objective, he said, will be a demand for a general tariff inquiry to determine what industries are essential and natural, what industries hamper the progress of others, what secondary industries are a burden on primary industries, what is the maxi mum possible preference to Britain, and what is the best method of bargaining with other countries for favourable trade treaties. Dr. Page advocated the manufacture of readily-consumable goods iu preference to having capital equipment and the manufacture of heavy engineering goods. He also advocated an extension of the Ottawa Treaty, and reciprocal trade treaties with foreign countries, also a conference of leaders of British and Australian industries to determine spheres of cooperation. Another important aspect of his Party’s policy urged a continuance of the present stable exchange rate, and the appointment of an expert inquiry to advise what rate would best secure an equilibrium between costs and prices in export industries. Discussing wool, wheat and butter, Dr. Page propounded a case for “Buy Where We Sell,” in regard to wool, in order to counter German or Italian embargoes. He said he intends to fight for a continuance of the “home consumption” price both for wheat and butter, and for a tariff revision which, he said, would ensure debt relief, tax remission, reduced rents and costs for producers.

“Above all,” he declared, “we will resist any attempt at any restriction of our meat exports. After explaining severe disabilities among farmers, Dr. Page suggested co-operation by the Commonwealth and the States in an organised plan for reducing Crown debts, affording financial relief over three years by the provision of a twelve million loan, the interest on which could be provided out of the Commonwealth revenue. He claimed that the Commonwealth Government should control all forms of trade and of commerce so far as these concerned orderly marketing, while the .Commonwealth .could and should determine the minimum wages and hours leaving their detailed arrangement to local bodies. With regard to defence, his Party favoured the Commonwealth working in close collaboration with the British defence forces. Dr. Page also explained in what manner the Country Party would aid workers and pensioners, and extend facilities for cheap homes. VICTORIAN DEFICIT. MELBOURNE, August 14. A deficit for 1933-34 is shown in the budget presented by the Victorian Pardament to-day. It amounts to £769,000, which is £31.000 less than the amount allotted by the Doan Council. A deficit for the current year is also estimated of £lO2 000, as against, a limit of £480,000 fixed by the Loan Council.