THE COMMONWEALTH.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 71, 1 April 1913, Page 5

THE COMMONWEALTH.

POLICY SPEECH DISCLOSURES

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.) (Received 8.0 a.m.)

Brisbane, April 1. The Premier’s policy speech at Maryborough foreshadowed at the end of the financial year a surplus of £2,261,541. Since the Government took office ten millions had been provided out of revenue for new works.

Referring to a referendum Mr Fisher declared that it was a distinct national matter. Industrial peace could only be secured by increasing the powers of the Commonwealth. Without an amendment of the constitution iio effective legislation could be possible. Protection, which was the Government’s policy, was the only economic justice. The tariff, though working fairly well, called for. readjustment in order to encourage manufacture. Should the people, however, decide against an amendment of the constitution, the Government would take an early opportunity of amending the tariff. It is intended to equalise the sugar bounty excise with a view to pi-otect-iag white growers against unfair competition of employei-s of coloured labour. Efforts will be continued to permanently settle white population in the Northern Territory and further develop Papua. The States will be asked to confer, with the object of converting State debts on an Australian Consolidated Debt.

It is proposed to establish a line of steamers between the Mainland and Tasmania. An overseas service was also projected for the more expeditious and efficient carrying of the mails and general produce. A wireless station with a great range will bo installed at Port Darwin, to link up the Imperial chain. A sum of £20,000 will be set aside for prevention and cure of consumption and cancer.

CABLE CONNECTION. (Received 9.55 a.m.) Mr Fisher referred to the forthcoming conference with representatives of New Zealand and Canada on the question of reciprocity of trade, and declares that the position of the Pacific cable, in having to depend on a private cable across the Atlantic is unsatisfactory. Australia and New Zealand favoured an Atlantic lino being laid in order to allow them a through connection to London. The Government did not intend to let the matter rest.