LABOUR POLICY

Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1930, Page 6

LABOUR POLICY

MR LANG’S SPEECH.

A STRIKING ATTACK

(Australian Press Association)

(Received this day at S a.m.) SYDNEY, Sept. 22

Sir Otto Niemeyer lectured and castigated the Premiers of all States as though they Averc a lot ol school hoys, and to shoAV his contempt for the Australian people lie told them lie did not cojne to Australia as the representative of the British people or British Government, but as the representative of the Bank of England, to which Australia did not OAve so much as a bent sixpence.

These and similar observations Avere made by Mr Lang, leader of the State Labour Party, in the course of his policy speech at Auburn to-night. Mr Lang added that Sir O. Niemeyer told the Premiers conference that unless Australia reduced her tariff and loavered her standard of living, London financial interests Avould take advantage of Australia’s temporary embarassment to squeeze her off the London market.

Then followed an unholy scramble by the Premiers to obey his dictates. The Labour Party, Mr Lang declared, would insist on an amendment to the financial agreement and the dissolution of the Loan Council. This . State must continue to borroAV for many years There Avas sufficient money here to finance public. AA r orks,.and he wopld undertake to get it in order,...to complete them.

Labour Avould, if returned— Break up large estates., ,;,, Encourage closer settlement. Stimulate agriculture and fodder conservation .

Co-operate with the Federal Government in providing a Avheat guarantee. Embark upon proposals for agricultural research.

Among other promises Mr Lang assured the workers that he would restore the 44-hour AA r eek, maintain wages at the original levels and'would provide legislation which would regulate interest rates of mortgages.

(Received this day at 9.40 a.m.)

SYDNEY, Sept. 23

Mr Lane said he Avould abolish the office of State Governor also the LegislatiA'e Council and reduce thoirmemberiship of the Assembly. The trade Balance \is purely a Federal ..affair, Avhioh is being corrected by Mjr.S.cullin. The loan difficulty can, be overcome by giving the Governments;-.a. mandate to amend the financial agreement.