QUEENSLAND LABOR MEMBER’S VISIT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2472, 10 April 1909, Page 3

QUEENSLAND LABOR MEMBER’S VISIT.

TO STUDY NO-LICENSE

VIEWS ON DEFENCE

V prominent member of the Queensland Labor party, Air V. B. G. Lesma, who has been in the State Parliament for the last ten years, and who has been visiting New Zealand, was interviewed by a Auckland “Star” representative. ’ “Aly object in coming over here during the recess,” said Air Lesina, “was to”inquire into the industrial and social legislation of the Dominion, particularly)]] regard to its effects on the economic condition oi labor, and. also to note the results of your licensing laws. I am,” lie added, “making a special report on the No-license question, and have visited several districts for that purpose.” Air Lesina’s inquiries mi that matter last mentioned are of an independent character, the Queens’and Government having only recently sent over a special representative to report on the subject. Air Lesina is studying the question from the point of view of a party that believes in the- nationalisation of the liquor trade—and, for that matter, of all industries. He has visited the Ashburton, Oamaru. Invercargill, and Christchurch districts, which are the strongholds of the Temperance partv in the south. “What was the impression you gained of those districts?” asked the interviewer. , . . , “The one thing that surprised me was the facility with which drink could be obtained in. these places,” was the significant reply. . Air Lesina mentioned that Ins inquiries into the industrial legislation ol New Zealand had been facilitated by the courtesy of Sir J oseph AA ard, to whom -ho brought a letter of introduction from Queensland’s Premier, Air Kidston. Sir Joseph gave authority to the various Government offices to supply the information required on those public questions. “How does the condition of the New Zealand worker compare with that m the Australian?” was asked, “Weil,” was the reply, “in spite oi the fact that you have about five times as much labor* legislation on the statute book as we have* in Australia, it seems to we that tho condition ol the worker here is no better than m Queensland oiNow South AVales.” Air Lesma added that this was partly due to the highei cost of living in the Dominion. Kents in Wellington, lie thought, were thrice as high as in Brisbane. On the question of the present naval crisis, and the Dominion’s offer oi a Dreadnought. Air Lesina said lm thought the maiority of Queensland electors would agree with Premier Ralston •that the present fuss. was. 1 simply a theatrical exhibition of music-hall, patriotism.” As regarded Home defence, however, the Labor party, in Queensland were in favor of a citizen army. Mr Lesina fully agreed with Sir Joseph Ward that Australia would want a navy as big as t-lie combined navies of Europe to defend her enormous coast line. Ibe official Labor view in Queensland was that Australia docs not want a navy. “I believe,” said Air Lesma,“ that Air Fisher’® policy will cause dissension in Labor ranks.” . , , , The Labor party m Queensland, he added, was more advanced titan .in other parts of Australia in that it was entirely Socialistic. 3.hey maintained that the first step towards the effective defence of any country was to make tho country worth defending. Consequently, unless the Government passed labor legislation which has lor its object tho nationalisation of all tho sources of production, their country would not be worth taking up arms for. The party, however, was strongly in favor of a citizen army. Australia protected by an armed and trained population, would have a million lighting men, who would be able to protect her against any combination of Powers. Every able-bodied man should he able to shoot and ride a horse. . . The Labor party believed in tins, because with a citizen army, when they bad captured political power and passed legislation to nationalise the sources of production, distribution, and exchange, they would bo able to enforce it if necessary.