TOPICS OF THE TIME.

Hastings Standard, Issue 27, 28 May 1896, Page 2

TOPICS OF THE TIME.

The following is the platform of the new Labour Party of Victoria, submitted to the meeting of the Tradeshall Council on Monday evening :—(1) one adult one vote ; (2) that registration be th 9 sole qualification for Parliamentary elections ; (3) provision for the enfranchisement of seamen and other persons following migratory occupations, and for recording their votes at all elections; (4) the referendum to be applied for the settlement of vexed public questions ; (£) a progressive tax on town and land values without exemptions, exclusive of improvements ; (0) b cumulative tax on all incomes over £2OO per year, and a tax

on absentees ; (7) the establishment of a state bank ; (8) a law enacting a maximum labour day of eight hours wherever practicable ; (9) the adoption of a minimum rate of wage in connection with all Government- works and the same to be applied to all municipal bodies subsidised by the state ; (10) the establishment of a department of labour, with a responsible Minister; (11) the establishment by law of courts of conciliation and compulsory arbitration for the settlement of disputes between employers and employes; (12) the prohibition of the importation of Chinese and Asiatic labour, and of workmen under contract; (13) that it is the duty of the Government to provide work for its own unemployed people, and make provision for the destitute ; (14) the maintenance and perfection of the policy of protection ; (15) federation to be consumated by a convention elected directly by the people to draw up a federal constitution, such constitution to be eventually submitted to the people by means of the referendum for acceptance or rejection.

Mb 11. Lucy in his letter to the Sydney Morning Herald says " Occasionally the dark prison veil is uplifted from the once-familiar figure of Oscar Wilde, and tidings of him reach the narrowed circle of his friends. A short time ago, by order of the Home Secretary, he had part of a day's outing, being conveyed in custody to the office of a solicitor who bad business requiring his presence and signature. I hear that in respect of health he looked better than he has done for many years. He has lost much flesh, with more than corresponding advantage. The regular life and simple prison fare, a sharp contrast to long use, seem to suit him. As the business which ho was concerned overlapped into the luncheon hour the legal gentleman invited him' to share his meal. On hospitable cares intent he had provided a bottle of champagne, at the sight of which Oscar's eyes glistened. The prison warder, who remained throughout in close attention, positively forbade his charge to touch the wine. Acting, doubtless, in accord with orders, he said he might eat what lie liked, but must have water for drink. Oscar pleaded hard for " just one glass," butt-he warder was inexorable. As soon as he has served his full term Wilde will go abroad, accompanied by his wife, who, with the illimitable faithfulness of woman, has forgiven all."