N.S.W. POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 February 1922, Page 5

N.S.W. POLITICS.

SIR GEORGE FULLER’S POLICY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn —Copyright. Sydney, Feb. 20. Sir George Fuller delivered a policy speech at Wollongong to-night. He said the public affairs of the State were drifting from bad to worse. Industries were languishing on account of heavy taxation and heavier taxes were threatened. His policy would be to attack the root causes of the trouble, rather than find palliatives. He proposed to carry out a policy of decentralisation, the construction of cross-country railways, and the opening of new ports. He advocated joint Federal and State action to develop and settle Crown lands. His party also favored closer settlement, improved methods of agriculture and the encouragement of settlers from overseas. Large landholders must produce or subdivide and sell on equitable terms. He proposed to -form voluntary wheat pools, carry out schemes of re-afforesta-tion and initiate a hydro-electric scheme, while he favored a uniform gauge. The taxation of the primary producer would be based on his average return covering five years. He proposed to abolish the Board of Trade and leave the fixing o fthe living wage to tribunals of employer and workers, which would arso decide the number of hours to be worked weekly. He would not proceed with the motherhood scheme, as the obligation to support their children belonged to parents. He would devise a scheme of housing, providing financial assistance. The Upper Ponse would be reformed by reducing the number of members, with a fixed instead of a life tenure. Proportional voting would be continued, and members’ and Ministers’ salaries would be reduced by £275 a year. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE SPEAKERSHIP. Sydney, Feb. 21. Sir Joseph Carruthers proposes that, with a view of preventing the Speakership being hawked about as in the last Parliament, candidates undertake not to accept nomination unless with the approval of the party leader.