FEDERAL ELECTIONS

Grey River Argus, 22 September 1937, Page 7

FEDERAL ELECTIONS

LABOUR’S CAMPAIGN. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] FREMANTLE, September 21. The Federal Labour Party Leader, Mr. J. Curtin, opened the Commonwealth General Election Campaign here last night. He referred at length to Australian defence, stating the country could have 300 aeroplanes, instead of the 96 provided, for an outlay of £7,500,000. Labour, Mr. Curtin said, would legislate for pensions for widows with dependent children. He stated that a sum of £6,000,000 would be earmarked for the initiation of unemployment insurance, and also pensions. Repatriation loans would be liberalised. The reform of the Commonwealth Bank would be begun to enable it adequately to control the credit of the nation, to regulate rates of interest, and to direct general investment and currency relations with external markets. Financial assistance would be provided for producers. A national wheat pool would be created with their approval. Other aims would be afforestation, unification of railways, protection of Australian industries, and the introduction of the 40-hbur working week wherever possible.