ADDRESS-IN-REPLY DEBATE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 134, 9 June 1906, Page 2

ADDRESS-IN-REPLY DEBATE.

SPEECH BY MR REID. GOVERNMENT VIOLENTLY ATTACKED. MR DEAKIN IN.REPLY. [press association;] (Received June 9, 12.10 a.m.) -j-r.*,. - MELBOURNE. Jime 8. ■'-'- ■ cMr Reid resumed the debate on tho Addvess-inJieply.. He urged the necessity for fiscal peace, denounced the Government alliance with the Labour Party, and insisted that the burning question was Socialism" versus antiSocialisnr. Mr Deakin's cry of tralia for the Australians," he said,, tyas an unpatriotic and pernicious cry, Being carried even, to the defence system. It was treason to reserve 'the best military position for Australians. 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 from. Ho considered a progressive land-tax a matter for the btates, and not the Commonwealth. He condemned the Home Rule resolutions recently adopted by Parliament. He attacked the Government for shirking the pressing question of repatriation of the Kanakas, and drew from Sir John Forrest a statement that his support of a progressive land-tax was given with a ■ view to bursting up the big estates. ',-,' Mr Deakin,in a lengthy reply, de- ... fended the Home Rule resolutions and the support of the Natal Government ; : jja-the recent crisis. : He stated that a definite immigration policy would' be initiated when replies had been received from the States. Regarding land available, arrangements were pro- , gressing. The deportation of the Kanakas would be carried out in the most humane way possible. " •: i.ySiv. attempt to draw Mr Deakinon the -land-tax question failed;. he .declared that he would not make, any premature declaration on the subject. He claimed that a vital question this session was the redistribution of seats. The debate was adjourned.