The Federal Premier at Ballarat

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 12000, 18 October 1906, Page 5

The Federal Premier at Ballarat

MELBOURNE, October 18. Mr. Deakin, in his policy speech at Ballarat, announced that he appeared as a Liberal Protectionist, and said his party had now resumed the position of an absolutely independent party. He eulogised Mr. Watson for the support accorded by him to the Ministerial programme in the last Parliament. With the men in Parliament it had been possible to work, but with the machine outside it was not possible. The difficulty arose, not with the men who handled public affairs, but with those who wanted to handle them. The policy of his party would be progressive. He attacked Mr. Reid's anti-Socialist party. It was intended to advance the iron industry by bounties, duties, or other means. Mr. Deakin announced that the measures to be submitted included the Navigation Bill and Banking and Insurance laws. Efforts, would be made to induce immigration if the States will give land. Generally speaking, ms policy of 1903, which was defeated in. 1905, was to bo carried out. The Government made no proposal to impose land taxation in addition to that already existing in the Slates. The latter were entitled to exhaust all their powers, and although he would welcome one federalised tax, he saw no early possibility of its achievement. In answer to a question, he affirmed that the members of the Labour Party were under the control of organisations, which he believed was a danger to the 'xvnmunity.