FEDERAL REFERENDUM

Hokitika Guardian, 3 September 1926, Page 3

FEDERAL REFERENDUM

THE POSITION REVIEWED. [Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received this day at 12.25 p.m.) ' . SYDNEY, Sept. 3. As the filial stages of the referenda ■ campaign are closing, public interest which was previously apathetic is gaining force. Both Labour and Government parties have vigorous.y prosecuted campaigns for and against, throughout the Commonwealth. An anomalous position is created in New South Wales where both' State and Federal Electoral Acts provided only for the closing of hotels during tho holding of elections. Electoral officers decided the referendum cannot he classed as an election, therefore hotels will remain open. Broadly speaking there are two proposals for the amendment of the constitution before the electors; firstly , asking that more power shall be given the Federal Government wiht the object of securing efficient control over trusts and combines and trades unions and other industrial organisations in order to enable unionists to secure more control over their own organisations and particularly in times of industrial turmoil, to enable, them to take 'n secret ballot on the question of a strike. Tho second question before the

electors asks them to give the Federal Government what hitherto are regarded as State rights and empower the Commonwealth Government in time of industrial stress to take whatever steps are necessary to maintain trans-. port services. , The latter action would only be necessary in the event of the State failing to maintan the essential services, which has happened during the recent seamen's strike. This was real'.v the cause of the Federal Government seeking the additional powers asked for bp Mr Bruce and party, on the strength of the mandate given at last federal election to deal with alien agitators, but which is inoperative under the existing Constitution. They are hoping of carrying the p'oposals while their opponents are relying on the fate of the previous reterenda for alteration consider opinion is against the granting of the Federal Government such wide powers as they demand, land are confident of defeating them. Speeches in the Labour Party renders the position more obscure than would otherwise he. Iho general opinion appears to he that the electors have not taken trouble to properly acquaint themselves with . the intricacies of the issues invohed and that the vote to a considerable extent will ho an ignorant one on both sides. The prospects of can,ring proposals are not regarded as bright. It will be some days befo.t . the result of tlie whole vote will be J finalised.