COUNTRY PARTY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21879, 15 August 1934, Page 11

COUNTRY PARTY

POLICY OUTLINED AUSTRALIA'S INDUSTRIES MEANS OF FOSTERING MARKETS FOR PRODUCTS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received August 14, 11.25 p.m.) SYDNEY, August 14 The Australian Country Party's policy for the Federal general election was outlined by the leader, Dr. Earle Page, in a broadcast address this evening. The main objective 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 constitute a burden on the 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, also tho extension of the Ottawa treaty and reciprocal foreign treaties. He favoured conferences between leaders of British and Australian industries to determine spheres of co-operation. Another important aspect of the party'B policy urges the continuance of the present stable exchange rate and the appointment of an expert inquiry to advise what rato would best secure equilibrium between costs and prices in the export industries.

Dr. Page propounded the case for the policy of "buy where we sell" in regard to wool, in order to counter the German and Italian embargoes. He said he intended to fight for a continuance of the home consumption price both for wheat and butter; also for a tariff revision which would ensure debt relief, tax remission and reduced rents and costs for producers. Above all, lie would resist any attempt to restrict meat exports.

After explaining the severe disabilities of the farmers, Dr. Page suggested the co-operation of the Commonwealth and the States in an organised plan to reduce Crown debts and afford financial relief over three years by the provision of a loan of £12,000,000, the interest on which would be provided out of the Commonwealth's revenue. He claimed that the Commonwealth Government should control all forms of trade and commerce, so far as these concerned orderly marketing. Commonwealth Courts should determine minimum wages and hours, leaving detailed arrangements to local bodies.

In regard to defence, Dr. Page said his party favoured the Commonwealth working in close collaboration with the British" defence forces. He explained also in what manner the Country Party would aid workers and pensioners and extend facilities for cheap homes.

IMPORTS OF WOOL ITALY'S INTENTION GENERAL RESTRICTION (Received August 14, 5.45 p.m.) Times Cable LONDON. August 13 The Rome correspondent of the Times says high authorities state that Italy is likely to impose a general restriction on wool imports within two months. MR. LYONS' POLICY COMMENT IN LONDON TRADE RELATIONSHIPS (Received August 14, 8.55 p.m.) LONDON. August 14 The Daily Telegraph says that in the Australian Prime Minister's policy declaration the blunt announcement that Australia will never willingly accept a restriction of her production stands out. "At present," says the paper, "there are negotiations for the salvation of our beef and urgent demands for a regulation of imports of butter and cheese. Yet no impatient pressure has been put on the Dominions in regard to them. Mr. Lyons has to fight on two fronts —against the Country Party and the Labour Party. The first is prepared to let in British manufactures free in return for the British market for Australian agriculture, but Labour would raise the tariff to the highest point against all manufacturers, yet it opposes any protection, on our side. Mr. Lyons has taken the middle course.

" In return for a reasonable opportunity of competing on the Australian market Britain buys 90 per cent of Australia's butter, 95 per cent of her wine and 75 per cent of her fruit, to say nothing of mutton and wool." The News Chronicle says there is nothing surprising in Mr. Lyons' announcement, which is one more illustration of the radical incompatibility of the two great aims of the protectionist policy. It is possible to encourage Dominion trade and it is possible to check it, but not to encourage and to check it at the same time.