NATIONAL PLATFORM

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 46, 6 November 1946, Page 5

NATIONAL PLATFORM

DISTRICT MEETINGS

ADDRESS AT RUATOKI

Over sixty Maoris attended a meeting which took place at Ruatoki last Monday afternoon. • The meeting was addressed by Mr W. Sullivan M.P., who used, as the theme of his address, the Maori policy as outlined by Mr Holland, the detailed explanation accorded was obviously much appreciated, and at the conclusion, a vote of thanks and confidence was proposed by Mr W. Trainor, seconded by Mr Takarua Tamarau, and carried. Enthusiasm at Waimana On the same evening, Mr Sullivan addressed a further gathering at Waimana, where he was accorded the same attentive hearing. Outlining his party’s policy in respect to primary production, Mr Sullivan stated that this was regarded as New Zealand’s basic industry. From our exports of butter, cheese, wool, meats, etc., we obtained our overseas funds to purchase goods and raw materials.

Our imports had increased 100 per cent, in cost since 1938, whilst our exports (in 'value) had increased only 50 per cent. The National Party recognised farming as our foundation industry, and would set out to increase the number of free and independant farmers and to restore to the farmer the right to manage his own affairs. An Independant Tribunal, he said, would be set up, comprising members of the industry and the Government. This tribunal would be presided over by a Supreme Court Judge, and would fix the minimum and the maximum price to be paid for farm products. Recognising that moneys received from the sale of farm products belong to the producer and to no one else, the National Party would see that there was no more pirating of his funds. Co-operation District Production Councils would be established to bring about greater production and co-operation with the Government, and to assist our land rehabilitation problem. The Councils in the past had done a good job. They would he concluded, do better still with a Government that would work in co-opera-tion with them.

Before the meeting closed, a motion of thanks-and confidence proposed by Mr T. Wardlaw, and seconded by Mr J. Burnett, was carried. ■ -