AUSTRALIAN PROBLEMS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10597, 24 May 1920, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN PROBLEMS

PREMIERS CONFER IMMIGRATION; DEFENCE, AND RAILWAYS.’' IN DUSTRIA L LEGISLATION.

By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright • (Received May 23, 5.5 p.m.) MELBOURNE, May 23.

The Premiers’ Conference has opened. Mr IV. M. Hughes urged the necessity of an immigration policy to fill the gaps made in Australia’s manhood by the war. The question of dofcnco must also bo dictated by prudence and common-sense. There was need for a uniform railway gauge. The time had come when something in that direction must bo done, as it would assist in tho development of trade, and they must deal with the movements of stock in times of drought. Ho referred to the proposed developments in aviation, including postal purposes. • He urged the need of tho Commonwealth States acting together as regards industrial legislation to sweep away anomalies arising from tho Commonwealth States actmg independently. Tho conference decided to send two delegates to tho afforestation conference. and estimates wore _ submitted showing that the areas requiring afforestation in the Commonwealth totalled 2tf million acres. Ho recommended tho establishment of a school .of forestry in New South. Wales.

The conference resolved upon tho introduction of legislation to provide uniformity in marking Australian-made goods. In reference to’ the unification of the railways, the conference considered the conditions singe 1913 when tho cost was estimated at hewoen 20 to 30 millions/ ’ There had been _ a change, and it was necessary to revise tho estimate before the subject could be definitely dealt with. Mr H. S. W. Lawson. Victorian Premier, said it would nrohably now cost twice as much as in 1913.