THE COMMONWEALTH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 26, 1 February 1904, Page 2

THE COMMONWEALTH.

LAllorit AND POLITICS. SYDNEY, .lan, 80. The Labour Conference hus finally adopted the following fighting plutform plunks, in Uio order named : Kesumption of land, closer settloiiicnt, amalgamation of savings (I'o-st Ollii-L-) and Advances to Settlers Hoard into a State bank, abolition of the Legislative Council, State (iovuniors, and other .unnecessary officers, initiative und referendum, free cUiication, cessation of borrowing (except for redemption and completion of authorised works and undertakings which puy interest and one per cent, .sinking fund), and a progressive land value tax on all estates worth over five thousand pounds.

FKIiKRAL FINANCE. MELISOUUNE, Jan. 30. Sir (Icorge Turiner, Federal Treasurer, estimated the falling-oil in Federal revenue for the year at £39,. OIUI. The lirst six months shows a lull of £IBO, (KH>, and it is expected Lliut in the second half there will be a <leceea.se of £HKI/000. The estimated 'increase in expenditure is £-J 1.8,000, whereas the first six months shows an increase of iMGO,(101), including £130,000 under the Naval U|grceinent, £OO.OOO for the elections, end sugar bounties. Leaving out Hie naval cx|>endHure lie expects lik estimate not to be largely exceeded.