LANG GOVERNMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1932, Page 5

LANG GOVERNMENT

“OBSTACLE TO INDUSTRY.” GRAZIER PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS (Australian Press Association.) SYDNEY, February 29. Addressing the Farmers’ and Graziers’ Annual Conference, the President, Air F. H. Tout, said Australia will not turn the corner until assured that primary industries can continue to produce our exportable surplus upon a payable basis. The outlook had improved. but; the primary industry wa« not yet profitable. For two successive years wool and fat stock sold below the cost of production, yet graziers had undertaken the task of increasing exports. Last year exports of butter, mutton lamb and wool exceeded those of 1929. Wheat had dropped owing, to seasonal causes. High exchange rates had a,-, sisted to. reduce the looses on these industries, and the recent reduction in the rate was an error involving the direct loss to exporting industries'" of between four and five million pounds, and to the whole community, roughly twelve million pounds.

Tariff reform was necessary to reduce the costs of production. “The greatest obstacle to the progress of our industry,” said Mr “is the Lang Government.” Until the State was rid of that administration, .there ira. no hope of •reducing 'the Government expenditure within its income, or the prevention of IAIr Bang's taxation policy which was still further hindering the- rehabilitation of industry. The proposal to fix shearers’ pay on a -sliding scale, according 'to the price of wool, was held over by the conference, pending receipt of information regarding the system operating in New Zealand.

The conference protested against giving the dole without work and cided to urge the Government to abolish wage fixation; so that private enterprise could employ labour.

N.S.W. PARLIAMENT. GRADUATED SCALE OF TAX. SYDNEY, Feb. 29. It is reported that the New South AYales Government is considering legislation for a graduated scale of taxation on large estates, compelling owners with land close to the railways to sub-divide it, and also to furnish a new source of taxation

INTEREST FOR MARCH PAID. SYDNEY, Feb. 29. It is announced to-day that though still in default for February interest payments to overseas bondholders, amounting <to over'£9o9,ooo, this' New South Wales Government has paid the interest for March totalling with exchanges, about £190,000.

SYDNEY STOCK EXCHANGE. SYDNEY, Feb, 29. At the Sydney Stock Exchange this morning sales were recorded in Bonds 4 per cent, 1941, £92 15/-, Bank of New South Wales ex-dividend £29/12/6, Tooth’s Brewery 25/3, Colonial Sugar Co., £43 and £42/7/6. PRIVY COUNCIL DECISION. I.jQNDON, February 29. The Judical Committee of the Privy Council has granted the Commonwealth leave to intervene in the New South Wales Upper House case; also a week’s adjournment from oth. April to enable*Air Latham to appear.

COMMONWEALTH INTEREST. PROMPT PAYMENT ARRANGED. LONDON, February 29. Arrangements have been completed for the prompt payment of £450,000 Commonwealth interest due in London to-morrow. •PRIVY COUNCIL LEAVE TO INTERVENE. LONDON, February 29. Air W. K. Fit Hager, on behalf of the Commonwealth, addressing Lords Bluneshurgh (pres.ding), Tomlin and Russell, of Killowen, asked leave to intervene. Hie said the case raised a question of great importance tu Australia, possibly the most important Australian case ever heard 'before the Privy Council. The* change of Government in Australia meant a radical change in policy. Air Latham was leaving Alelbourne to-mor-row, and would arrive in London on April 4, therefore a week’s extension was a,ski'd to enable him to appear.

(Me A. Ncshifl, on behalf of the New’ /Couth Wales Government, opposing tin* application, said Hint the Common wealth had changed its mind since September, when it decided not to intervene. It was essentially a domestic question, in which New .South Wiles was entitled, or not entitled, to idler its own consiitut ion. Them was no question of a Commonwealth principle being involved. |,0r.1 I’.laueshiirgh reminding Counsel Hull Hie British 11 iv, mme.: t m-.a'.iwhie, had been granted leave to intervene, said; "II i :u< well that everyone ivriied shout I In represent'. I, owing to the important ruiisfiitutioiuil issues involved. Mr .Nesbitt said that the Colonial haws Validity Act, .section 6. with which this ease was greatly concerned, did lint all'i t the Commonwealth. Uon.l Blancshurgh : 'The’ proper time to raise that point is when the At-