FEDERAL POLITICS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7048, 9 February 1910, Page 5

FEDERAL POLITICS

SPEECH BJ MR DEAKIN TOAT THE GOVERNAOENT WILL CARRY OUT. DEVELOPMENTAL WORK. By Tciograph—Press Association—Copyright. MELBOURNE, February 8. Tito first Ministerial statement in commotion with tiro Federal election campaign was made last night by Mr A. Donkin, the Federal Prime Minister, Yh an address to his constituents at Ballarat, when ho delivered his promised policy speech. At tho forthcoming election, stiff tho Prime Minister, there would be only two parties, and generally one dividing line. The work done by tho fusion Government of last session formed a basis sufficient to appeal to tho country upon. Until the Finance Bill and the State Debts Bill were accepted. by the people no adequate forecast of tho financial position was possible. Ho urged tho electors to veto for both measures. TARIFF QUESTIONS. Tho Prime Minister said he hoped the tariff in future would ho dealt with apart from theory and general political doctrine. Wholesale revision, ho trusted, would become a thing of the past. There wore anomalies in the tariff, but when the results of examination were brought out there would he submitted more Complete proposals on a new plan, free from theoretical impediments. Preferential trade proposals would bo submitted for promoting trade with. Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. A now protection policy would be formulated, dealing not only with tariff-protected industries, but with other industries •as well. LABOUR PROBLEMS TO BE ATTACKED. Fair hours, fair wages, fair conditions of employment, were ends the Government aimed at. Ho hoped to see Wages Boards general throughout Australia, with a.Federal tribunal to adjust difficulties. The proposed interstate Comm ssion would be invested with wider powers of inquiry than the British Board of Trade possessed. The problem of unemployment must first be attacked in a modest way. Tho unemployable would be marked, ticked off, and separately dealt with. A great deal in tho way of, social amelioration oould be dome by Government inquiry, supervision, and aid. Ho, in passing, indicated the need of a system of superannuation or pensions for Federal civil servants, and suggested that tho States and the Federation might bo able to 00-operato in the matter. The Northern Territory, Mr Deakin said, must be developed, and people put there. It must be defended and railway communication established. GENERAL DEFENCE.

Reference to the offer of a Dreadnought to the British Government was received with an outburst of hooting, followed immediately by • a oounterdemonstration of cheering. Mr Deakin expressed the opinion that the scheme of defence which Field-Marshal Lord Kitchener would suggest would be essentially acceptable in principle, practical in design, economical, and securing, above all, efficiency. On the Federal capital territory, said tho speaker, ■ the Government intended to raise houses for military purposes. OTHER MATTERS. It would be disappointing if ' next Parliament dosed without having sanctioned the building of railways to connect with the West and Port Darwin. Tenders were being invited for a newer and faster steamer service with Canada. ' Organisation of a drastic character was contemplated in the postal service, and postal rates would be assimilated throughout tho Commonwealth. ,