BRUCE PLATFORM.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 239, 9 October 1928, Page 7

BRUCE PLATFORM.

FEDERAL HUSTINGS.

White Australia And Law And Order On Wharves.

ELECTION CAMPAIGN.

(Received 11 a.m.) I MELBOURNE, this day. The Commonwealth Prime Minister, Mr. S. M. Bruce, launched his general election campaign last night at Dandenong, when he outlined his party's platform. Mr. S. M. Bruce's speech included the setting up of a marketing system providing for the maintenance of a regular high quality and continuity of supplies; the establishment of a division of maternal hygiene; the regulation of life assurance and the registration of all companies; and uniform divorce laws. The Government intended to pursue protective tariff in order to foster the Australian industries. It would make any sacrifices for the maintenance of a White Australia, would continue to oppose unrestricted migration and would endeavour to keep Australia 98 per cent British. The war debt had been reduced by '£40,000,000 and the debt per head was now £0 less than in 1921-22. The sale of the Commonwealth vessels was now saving the taxpayers £500,000 annually. Referring to the waterfront troubles, Mr. Bruce reiterated that the Government intended to compel the observance of law and order at any cost. He said that there would be no compromise with the few extremists who were seeking to overthrow constitutional Government. (Cheers.) His manifesto also contained the carrying out, as far as may be financially possible, the air policy recommended by Air-Marshal Sir John Salmond, for the first three years; the reorganisation of the Tariff Board's functions; the repeal of the coastal clauses of the Navigation Act; steps toward > the unification of railway gauges; a comprehensive scheme of national insurance and unemployment insurance to be carried out by the States. Mr. Jock Garden, secretary of the New South Wales Trades and Labour Council, intends to oppose Mr. E. G. Theodore for the Dalley seat.

WRITS ISSUED.

ELECTIONS ON NOVEMBER 14. (Received 11 a.m.) CANBERRA, this day. Writs are being issued to-day for the Federal elections on November 14. The Bruce Government during their three years in power passed 138 bills.

DALLEY SEAT.

JOCK GARDEN NOT STANDING. (Received 12 noon.) SYDNEY, this day. Ex-Senator Gardiner, not Jock Garden, i> opposing Mr. Theodore for the Dalley Beat as an Independent Labourite.

MIGRATION MUDDLE.

CRITICISM BY A CLERIC. (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) (Received 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, October 8. "By its policy of restriction and exclusiveness Australia is losing some of the best blood and brains that Britain can offer. Our young manhood is going to the Argentine and elsewhere and competing against Australia instead of being partners and sharers in her development and prosperity." This is one of the arresting conclusions of the Rev. J. P. Pughe, M.A., formerly Canon of Brisbane, and intimately associated with migration, issued in a report of a visit to Australia to which Mr. L. S. Amery supplies a foreword, which states: "Everyone will do well to consider the shrewd and thoughtful criticism." Mr. Pughe declares that it is Impossible to blame Australia House for tardy development. It is simply carrying out its orders. When requisitions for settlers are cut down or entirely cancelled it is exceedingly difficult to carry on. No business worked on such uncertain and indefinite " lines could possibly succeed. He maintains that the key to the whole situation lies in Australia and the Labour party holds the key.

There are men in England, such as Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. J. H. Thomas, who could go to Australia and confer with Labour to establish an honourable pact for peace. Personally Mr. Pughe believed that the Labour party of Australia is not destitute of high ideals or disloyal to the Motherland. "As they helped the Empire in the war, I ask them to help us now when the Empire is threatened with a greater danger than war. Make a prosperous and lasting peace at Home, savs the Motherland from degradation and the deterioration of her manhood for want of employment. I appeal to the workers of Australia to help solve the problems of the Motherland and to find room in their ample land for their kith and kin."

Ho maintains that Australia needs vision.' She needs more than farm hands and domestics. She requires avenues of approach and selected and nominated migrants must be increased. Publicity work should be begun in America, Denmark, Germany and Sweden to encourage men with capital 011 specially liberal terms. The yellow hand of the East is knocking at the back door and Australia must show she is doing her best effectively to occupy her land. She must fill up her vast empty spaces or clear out.