COMMONWEALTH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2731, 9 February 1910, Page 5

COMMONWEALTH POLITICS.

THE FEDERAL ELECTIONS -SPEECH BY MR DEAKIN.

United Press Association— Copyright

MELBOURNE, Feb. 8

Mr Deakin opened the Ministerial campaign at Ballarat. At the forthcoming election he said there would be only two parties, and generally one dividing line. The work done by the fusion of the Government last session formed a basis sufficient to appeal to the country. Until the Finance Bill and State Debts Bill had .been accepted by the people no adequate forecast of the financial position was possible. He urged the electors to vote for both measures. He hoped the tariff in future would be dealt with apart from theory and general political doctrine. Wholesale revision, fie'trusted, would become a thing of the past. There were anomalies in the tariff, but when the results of the examination were brought out there would he submitted more complete proposals on a new plan, free from theoretical impediments. Preferential trade proposals would. be'-submitted for promoting trade with Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. New .protection would be ‘formulated, dealing not only with the tariff on protected industries, hut with other industries as well. Fair hours, fair wages, and fair conditions of employment were ends, aimed at. He hoped to see Wages Board s general throughout Australia., with a Federal tribunal to adjust difficulties. The proposed inter-State commission would be invested with wider powers in inquiry than the British Board of Trade. The problem of unemployment must first be attacked in a modest way. The unemployable should be marked, ticketed off, and separately dealt with. A great deal in the way of social amelioration could be done by Government inquiry, supervision and aid. He indicated a system of superannuation for Federal Civil servants. He suggested that the States of the Federation might he able to co-operate in the matter. The Northern Territory must be developed and people put there. It must be defended, and railway communication established. His reference to the offer of a dreadnought was received with an outburst of hooting, hut was followed immediately by a counter demonstration of cheering. He expressed the opinion that the scheme of defence which Lord Kitchener would suggest would be essentially acceptable in principle, practical in design, economical, and securing above all efficiency on Federal capital territory. The Government, he said, intended to raise horses for military purposes. It would be disappointing if the next Parliament closed without having sanctioned the building of railways to connect with the West and Port Darwin. Tenders were being invited for a newer and faster steam service with Canada. Reorganisation of a drastic character was contemplated in the postal service, and postal rates would be assimilated throughout the Commonwealth. v