Federal Parliament

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 12628, 26 November 1908, Page 5

Federal Parliament

Press Association — Telegraph — Copyright. Received November 26, 10/45 a.m. MELBOURNE, November 25. Mr Fisher made a statement in the House regarding the Government's policy. The Government looked forward to not more than 14 more sitting days, and there had not been time for the Government to give attention to any large issues of policy. The Customs would in all livelihood show an improvement of 'about .£89,000. That arose largely through the decrease in the production of sugar. The Government hoped to give full effect to the Old Age Pensions scheme, but they could not accept Sir Wm. Lync's estimate of the amount required. His own idea was that the amount would be about a million and a half. The Government would see that sufficient funds were available. As to a new protection tariff the Ministry proposed to appeal to the people by referendum to give such powers to Parliament as would enable it to give protection to the worker as well as to the manufacturer. The Government accepted the division given on the capital site, and would introduce a Bill to enable a suitable area- to be chosen and the Bill would be introduced this session. The Iron Bonus Bill would be proceeded with, but some amendments must first be introduced. MELBOURNE, November 26. Mr Fisher stated that the Capital Sites Bill will ask for an area of 900 square miles with access to the sea. If the Senate did not agree to the amendments in the Iron Bonus Bill, it would be continued without them.