FEDERAL ELECTIONS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 219, 15 August 1934, Page 7

FEDERAL ELECTIONS.

COUNTRY PARTY POLICY. OPPOSITION TO MEAT RESTRICTION. SYDNEY, Aug. 14. The Australian Country Party policy for the Federal elections was outlined by its leader (Dr Earle Page) in a broadcast address to-night. Its main objective would 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 maximum 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 in preference to capital equipment and heavy engineering goods; an extension of the Ottawa treaty and reciprocal foreign treaties j also a conference of leaders of British and Australian industries to determine spheres of cooperation. Another important aspect of the party’s policy urges a continuance of the present stable exchange rate, and the appointment of an expert body of inquiry to advise what rate would best secure equilibrium between costs and prices in export industries. Discussing wool, wheat and butter, Dr Page propounded a case for “buy where we will” in regard to wool in order to counter the German and Italian embargoes. He intends to fight for a continuance of the home consumption price for both wheat and butter and for tariff revision which will ensure debt relief, tax remission, and reduced rents and costs for producers. Above all he will resist any attempt at restriction of meat exports. After explaining the severe disabilities of the farmers, Dr Page suggested co-operation between the Commonwealth and the States in an organised plan for reducing Crown debts and affording financial relief over three years by the provision of a £12.000,000' loan, interest on which would be provided out of Commonwealth revenue. He claimed that the Commonwealth Government slibuld control all forms of trade and commerce so far as these concerned orderly marketing, while Commonwealth Courts should determine minimum wages and hours, leaving detailed arrangements 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.

EXERCISE OF PATIENCE.

REPLY TO MR LYONS

LONDON, Aug. 14. The Dailv Telegraph says: In the Australian ' Prime Minister’s policy declaration, made at Sydney last night, the blunt announcement that Australia will never willingly accept restriction of production stands out. At the present time there are negotiations for the salvation of our beef and urgent demands for regulation of imports of butter and cheese, yet no impatient pressure has been put on the Dominions with regard thereto. Mr Lyons has to fight on two fronts, against the Country Party and Labour. The first is prepared to let in British manufactures free in return for a British market for Australian agriculture, but Labour would raise the tariff to the highest against all manufactures, yet oppose any protection on our side., Mr Lyons has taken the middle course. In return for a reasonable opportunity of competing in the Australian mai-ket Britain buys 90 per cent, of Australia’s butter, 95 per cent, of her wine, and 75 per cent, of her fruit, to sav nothing of mutton and wool. The News-Chronile says there is nothing surprising in Mr Lyons’s announcement, which is one more illustration of the radical incompatibility of the two great arms of a protectionist policy. It is possible to encourage Dominion trade and possible to cheek it, but not to encourage and check it at the same time.