AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7828, 22 August 1904, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

{Received This Morning, at 0.15 a.m.) London, Last Night.

The Times, commenting on Mr Reid's task, says: "' The dominant factor in the situation is the necessity of showing a resolute and united front to the Labour party's policy, which, if carried out logically, would imperil the peace and prosperity of Australia and its permanent connection with the Empire. It is doubtful whether any combination of existing groups can be trusted to unflinchingly resist the dangerous movement towards the extreme form of State socialism, and it is high time to make an escape from the perilous quicksands of a system of groups which has engulphed the character and credit of many legislatures in all parts of the world."

(Received This Morning, at 1.10 a.m.)

Sydney, Last Night,

Mr Reid has issued an address to the electors of the Commonwealth. He says he is unable to indicate his policy till Cabinet has had time to consider. Referring to the attitude of the Labour Party, his supporters were beginning to suspect a gigantic conspiring against the freedom of general workers and to make trades unions a series of political agencies. Unions, Labour caucuses, and the Arbitration Court were all intended as instruments of a cUngeroua and sellish movement. IJo added that his party thoroughly believed in a fearless, forward policy, but,not.,on the roads leading to socialistic and insane extremes.