AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY.

Colonist, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11751, 6 October 1906, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY.

Melbourne, October 5. ] The Federal Parliamentary Labor Party has issued a manifesto to the electors, which surveys the work of the dying Parliament, and declares that the Labor platform proposes that the fiscal policy of Australia shall be settled by the direct vote of the people themselves. It is the intention of the party that this settlement should be made speedily, decisively, and free from confusion or distraction of other issues. The most serious obstacle in the expansion and progress of Australia is the land monopoly. It is largely responsible for the unemployed, and it has driven thousands out of the Commonwealth during the past few years, and it also impedes any substantial increase in population from abroad, The land monopoly should be abolished if people are to have a fr>ir chance of earning an honest livelihood. The party is determined on a progressive land tax to break up the big estates. The principle is quoted as contributing largely to New Zealand's prosperity. The manifesto favors immediate provision of the coast defence by torpedo boats or other suitable vessels. S , „ The proximity of the Northern Territory to the East demonstrates the unwisdom of allowing spacious territory to ,be untenanted. The Party was convinced that its effective occupation by the white race is practicable, and cordially welcomes rfhe right kind of immigrants. It is desirous of taking over the State debtsj and of limiting the bor- | rowing powers of the States.