The new Premier of New South Wales, Mr. Dibbs, has
formed a Ministry without the Labour Party, but proposes to borrow and spend large sums on remunerative public works, which conciliates the labourers. He also intends to carry out non-remunerative public works, but out of revenue, as borrowing for them would injure the credit of the Colony. To meet the expense of these undertakings, he proposes to abandon Free-trade, and introduce high duties upon im- ports, and also to tax unimproved land, and so cause it to be sold. Mr. Dibbs is not opposed altogether to Federation, but desires that the Bill should be submitted to a second Com- mittee for improvement, and then be accepted or rejected in each Colony by a popular vote. The entire programme looks to us intended to " square" the labourer vote without directly raising the more serious labour questions. We fear that the " dodgy " ways of American politicians are creeping into Australia.
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