FEDERAL ELECTIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21883, 20 August 1934, Page 12

FEDERAL ELECTIONS

FOUR PARTIES IN FIELD LEADERS AND POLICIES POLLS ON SEPTEMBER 15 The Australian Federal election campaign is now in full swing. Nominations will close next Thursday and the elections will bo held on Saturday, September 15.

Four parties are seeking the support of the electors. The United Australia Party i« led by the Prime Minister, Mr. J. A. Lyons,- the Australian Country Party by Mr. Earlo Page, and the Federal Labour Party by Mr. J. H. Scullin, Leader of tho Opposition and ex-Prime Minister. The fourth party is tho Lang group, which was led in the late Federal Parliament by Mr. J. A. Beasley. Tho four leaders have expounded their policies in speeches delivered within tho past week. Mr. Lyons, in his speech, submitted a programme embodying reduction of unemployment, afforestation, unification of railway gauges, assistance to industries and comprehensive public works. Mr. Earlo Page advocates a general tariff inquiry with a view to fostering the most important industries and deciding the maximum possible preference to Britain. Ho also favours the extension of the Ottawa agreement and seeking the best means of fiscal bargaining with other countries. Mr. Scullin supports the extension of tho functions of tho Commonwealth Bank to enable it to enter into vigorous competition with privato banks. Ht> said that if his party were returned to power tho Commonwealth Bank would be expected to provide £1,000,000 a month for tho .employment of 50,000 men on public works. Mr. Beasley . said that his party aims at banking reform, tho restoration of pensions and civil servants' salary "cuts," and the expansion of social services.

The United Australia Party and ,tlie Country Party have arrived at .an agreement to avoid three-cornered eontests as far as possible and to exchange preferences where such contests cannot be obviated. The Federal Labour Party and the Lang group are coing to the polls as separate organisations.