THE COMMONWEALTH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 67, 23 March 1904, Page 2

THE COMMONWEALTH.

WESTEIKY AUSTRALIA. PKHTIi, March 22. The Premier, Hon. W. 11. James, in unfolding the policy of his Cabinet, said the financial position was sound and there was no n«fd for imposing further taxation for revenue purposes. The increased gold output was most encouraging, while the agricultural progress was astounding and would be even outdone in tho next lew yearn. The Premier wtated unless he was returned with a workable majority ho would not continue in oflice. lie proposed to introduce a bill to broaden the franchise of the lipper House, and also proposed to check the growth of large estates, ; encourage tins subdivision of existing ones. lie would impose an unimproved progressive land tax on all freehold estates over 6000 acres, the tax to range frnm a halfpenny to twopence in the £, re-classify tho civil service and provide a better s\stem of State education, from kindergartcn to university.

PUBLIC CUAIiITiES PROBLEM, (Ueceiveci March 23, 1.3 a.m.) -MKLISOURXK, Muitll 23 The Victorian State Premier, ,if» Bunt,, with a view to the adoption of n bettor system of control of public charities, proposes to test pulillo feeling by including a charities tax ui his linanciul programme.