THE ELECTIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1937, Page 5

THE ELECTIONS

IN AUSTRALIA the campaign opened. (Australian Press Association). FREMANTLE. September 20. The Federal election campaign was opened by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr J. Curtin), who outlined the Labour Party’s programme here tonight. Mr Curtin said Labour stood for an adequate defence policy, which would ensure effective protection of Australia. bdt no compulsion must be exercised on any citizen for military service on any foreign battlefield. Labour would maintain the Australian Navy ami strengthen aerial defences. There was need for more aerodromes, additional oil stores, and the exploitation of oil resources. Supplies for the armed forces must be assured, and munitions of all kinds must be manufactured in Australia. Labour, Mr Curtin added, would legislate for pensions for widows with dependent children. A sum of £6,090,00(1 would be earmarked for the initiation of unemployment insurance, and also pensions. Repatriation Joans would be liberalised. The reform of the Commonwealth Bank would be begun to enable it adequately to control the credit of the nation, to regulate rates of*interest, and to direct general investment and currency relations with externa] markets.

Financial assistance would he provided for producers, and a national wheat pool would he created with their approval. Other aims would be afforestation, unification of railways, protection of Australian industries, and the introduction of the 40-hour working week wherever possible.