AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 February 1920, Page 8

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

HEW SOUTH WALES POLICY, OUTLINED BY THE PREMIER. By Telesra'pli.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Sydney, Feb. I'2, Mr. W. A. Holraan (the Premier of New South Wales), delivering a policy speech at Gouiburn, said that Parliament would be dissolved immediately, and the elections would he held on March 20. The Government proposed to introduce a scheme of motherhood endowment, special allowances beinsr made to mothers with three or more children in augmentation of the recent increase in the living wage. It was proposed to establish a fund to support (he families of consumptives undergoing cure. After reviewing the Government's efforts to increase production, Mr. Holman outlined vigorous development schemes to promote settlement and open the country, including an extensive hydroelectric scheme, the afforestation of 5,000,000 acres water conservation and irrigation. Referring to the assistance given to farmers he said £1:20,000 hart so far been disbursed and a further million set apart. In regard to the charge of extravagance .levelled at the Government Mr. Holman stated that the increased cost of Government was not due to extravagance but to the depreciation in the value of money and the increased cost of living. Referring to the attitude of tlie workers the Premier said the workers' charter under the National Government would secure full freedom in work against the risks of disease, unhealthy and dangerous conditions, sweating and oppression. The Government was establishing Whitley Councils in connection with Government employment- It would proceed immediately -with a scheme for the treatment of venereal diseases and the establishment of maternity hospitals and rest homes. Mr. Holman concluded by saying that the Government would encourage and support the paper-making industry and would assist private enterprise to establish mills. The Government would also aid the inauguration of commercial aviation. —Aug.-N.Z. Cable Assn.