FEDERAL POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 December 1931, Page 5

FEDERAL POLITICS

POLICY OF LABOUR.

OUTLINED BY PREMIER

(Australian Press Association.)

MELBOURNE, Dec. 1

The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon J. H. Scullin, delivered a policy speech here to-day. Mr Scullin claimed that the Government, though it had been handicapped by the hostile Senate, by an empty Treasury, and by heavy deficit, had been able to avoid default, nr.d had also been able to place Australia on the road to recovery.

He went on to say that the next Parliament must concentrate on the work of economic; reconstruction. The Government, if required, was prepared to bring together the best brains of the public-spirited men in all walks of life to advise and to assist in this task.

Some means, declared Mr Scullin, must l)e found to get men back into employment. He expressed the opinion that the ultimate solution of this problem would be found in international financial co-operation. Mr Scullin announces that the Government would take up the question of an interchange of preferences and also mutual arrangements for markets with Britain and the Dominions, and would kelp also to search for a sounder monetary system than the one which has already failed. He pointed out that thy restoration of employment and the rehabilitation pf trade and ■ industry dwarfed every other issue.

Mr Scullin urged the electors to take no notice ‘of the canards circulatod about the Government resorting to inflation. Such things were also said years ago about the Fisher Labour Government. It was, however, intended to permit the Commonwealth Bank to function actively as a trading institution in competition with private banks, and it was also intended to embark upon Central Re- 1 serve hanking, which was a notable feature of the financial developments of other countries. A Central Bank could tide the country over a period of financial stringency by mobilising the reserves of all of the banks, and by using them to the' best advantage.

The Government would continue to encourage the Australian manufactures to the utmost limit by affording needful protection, and it .would aim to secure for British industry the main share of the import trade of the Commonwealth.

Efforts would be made to build up and strengthen the primary .industries and a'iso to offer em.'ou.i’ftg&b&ntv- to others to take up rural pursuits. Mr Sc’/iin added that,, althbpgli the high rate of exchange .was very costly to the Governments of Australia the present exchange rate would he maintained in the interests of the primary producers of tbe country.

ENGLISH COMMENT.

PRAISE FOR MR SCULLIN

LONDON, December 1

The “Morning Post,” commenting on tho Australian election, says, “Mr Scullin has courageously accepted desperate remedies when experience has proved them necessary, . but un 1 ike Mr MacDonald, he didn’t form a New Government. He is now faced, both by national opposition and a bitter, irreparable split in his own party. ■ For Australia’s sake, it is perhaps not unfortunate that Mr Lang and Mr Theodore should be such bitter foes, but it' is decidedly awkward for Mr Scullin.

A JOINT ENDORSEMENT. (Received this day at 9.25 a.m) SYDNEY, December 1. The United Australia Party endorsed Mr Wm. Hughes and Mr N. Cowper for the North Sydney constituency The object of the joint endorsement is to give the electors an opportunity of exercising preference for either candidate, as Hughes lias Jost considerable popularity through helping in the downfall of the Bruce Government in 1929.

Hughes is extremely indignant at the latest turn in events. . .

banks MERGER,

LANG ADOPTS AGREEMENT,

SYDNEY, December 1

The Lang Government has adopted the agreement for the amalgamation of the New South Wales "Savings Bank with the Commonwealth Bank.

THE UPPER HOUSE.

GOVERNMENT DEFEATS. (Received this day at 10.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, December 2. Mr Lang stated that alterations in the bank merger agreement, as sug* gested bv the State Cabinet, were accepted by the Commonwealth Bank Board. A copy of the agreement will be made available at the earliest possible moment. It is expected that an Act be proclaimed on December 12.

The Government was defeated on five occasions in the Upper House early this morning, each time by the Labour group. Led by Mr Coates it voted against the Government. The Council rejected the Local Government Elections Bill, which provides for the postponement of municipal elections in the proposed Greater Sydney area. The elections are fixed for next Saturday but Mr Lang has introduced a Bill to have them postponed, as far as County Cumberland is concerned, until after the Federal Elections.