Federal Premier’s Speech.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 34, 9 February 1901, Page 4

Federal Premier’s Speech.

QUEENSLAND STILL CRIES OUT FOR COLORED LABOR, By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, Feb. 8. Mr Barton last night said he was a Protectionist, and he was not ashamed to say so. Protection must be maintained on.existing industries. They must have a revenue tariff and moderate protection. Pic did not proposd to destroy national industries like the sugar industry. The Federal tariff must not be a sectional one.' He would take care one State did not rule the roost. Everyone must have a fair share of the surplus. In regard to the New Hebrides, he said the Federal Government had already addressed the Imperial Government in reference to recent representations on the matter. There were other external relations, such as New Guinea, Tonga, and Fiji to consider. He gave an assurance that the Government would endeavor to conserve the interests of Australia without embarrassing the Empire. Other speeches in support of the tariff, as outlined by Mr Barton, and deprecating setting State against State were made. The Federal Council meets to-day, and it is understood will discuss the Pacific Islands question. Brisbane, Feb. 8. Mr Philip, speaking at a meeting of the Early Closing Association, said the sugar industry was one of the most important in Queensland, and they should hesitate before they did anything to menace the industry. The time would como when they would require little or no colored labor. In the meantime let them give the people engaged in the industry a fair show.