SIR ROBERT HORNE

Southland Times, Issue 20394, 25 January 1928, Page 7

SIR ROBERT HORNE

ADDRESS AT ADELAIDE. TOPICAL PROBLEMS DISCUSSED. Adelaide, January 23. Addressing members of the Chamber of Commerce who tendered him a reception Sir Robert Horne said that most of the heavy trades in Britain were still in the doldrums. Nevertheless, they had begun to advance in many other staple trades. The chemical, electrical and motor car industries appeared to have come to stay. The Government had been taxing the motor cars on the amount of their power, and the result was that the manufacturers had evolved a car which was suitable for English conditions, but not suitable for export. He had not the slightest doubt such a system of taxation would be rectified in the near future. The better plan was to put a tax on petrol. Sir Robert Horne went on to say that the population of Australia during the last seven years had gone up by 11 per cent. He knew it was disquieting to have unemployed in the community, but he thought immigration was good for a country. Australia in its present state with rich resources could not remain unpopulated and justify itself in the eyes of the world. Australia was the one big country of large areas which remained undeveloped, and the world would never allow such a state of affairs to continue.

The temporary period of difficulty would disappear, and they would then find that wealth would quickly increase. He was in favour of a White Australia policy and hoped it meant a British Australia. He could see no limit to the prosperity that would come to Australia in future years -r-A. and N.Z.