THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22514, 23 September 1938, Page 14

THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY

MR SAVAGE’S EXPLANATION

Extension of Control of Credit

And Currency

STATE TO BECOME SOLE ISSUING AUTHORITY

Increased Health Services; Wider Educational Facilities

(PRESS ASSOCIATION* TELEGRAM.)

WELLINGTON, September 22,

The maintenance and extension of the control of credit and currency until the State is the sole authority for the issue of credit and currency, is one of the cardinal points in the policy of the Government for the next three years.

The Prime Minister (the Rt. Won. M. J. Savage) expounded .the Government’s policy in a broadcast address from the Wellington Town Hall to-night.

The Town Hall was packed and many were standing. Mr Savage was greeted with prolonged cheering, and the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.

In a statement issued this morning some of the principal points were: —

Plans for the operation of the Social Security Act.

Increased health services, including the establishment of an industrial hygiene branch. Wider educational facilities, with an increase in the school leaving age to 15 years. Housing construction to the full extent of the labour available in rural and urban areas. Protection for the development of secondary industries. The acquisition (by purchase) of land for the settlement of farmers’ sons and rural workers. Extension of the guaranteed price system.

The policy is as follows:

provement of school grounds and amenities, the raising of the school leaving age to 15, the unification and reorganisation of administrative control of primary and post-primary education, assured finance for the University of. New Zealand and its constituent colleges, adequate support for the programme of the Council of Adult Education, and the development of the country library service are also promised. Housing Construction • The policy points of the Government’s housing policy are:— (a) The continuation of the Government housing construction to the maximum of available labour and materials; (b) The extension of housing construction to rural areas for farmers, farm workers,' and other rural dwellers: (c) The clearance of slum areas and the erection of modern dwellings; ■ ,

' The objective of the Government is to utilise to the maximum the wonderful resources of the Dominion. First comes the maintenance and improvement of the living standards .that have been experienced in the Dominion in the last three years, compared with the deprivation of the previous three years; second, to organise internal economy that will distribute production and services in a way that will guarantee to every person able and willing to work an income sufficient to provide ■ him and his dependahts with everything necessary to make a “home” and “home life’.’ in the best sense of the meaning of those terms; third, to continue the progressive legislation and administration which has been successfully carried on by the Government since it took office on December 6, 1933.

(d) Advances to modernise existing dwelling houses. ,

I SOCIAL SECURITY ACT The next steps are: — (a) The complete organisation of administration, procedure, and personnel to give effect to the Government’s Social Security Act. (b) Co-operation with friendly, societies in the extension of membership and arrangements for the utilisation of friendly- societies, dispensaries, and other existing machinery that will assist the practical administration of social security benefits. , . , . ' Cc> Negotiation with chemists tc ensure their full co-operation and supply of drugs and ape lances recjuired under the medical benefits of V the act at reasonable rates. • The promise given before the last election that the national health and superannuation services would be instituted had been honoured by the racing of the Social Security Act, which became law on. September ,14, 1938. By placing this act on the Statute Book, the Government provided machinery to institute social security next year as soon as the administrative procedure has been completed. It is now quite clear that social security will become operative only if the Government is returned to office. Family Allowances The extended provision of family allowances is only one more step towards the objective of motherhood endowment. As circumstances enable the Government to take further, steps to remove from mothers the worry of maintaining a family of children op inadequate incomes, the Government will extend the, principle until every mother has sufficient income to maintain each child. The strengthening of school medical nursing services to ensure the medical examination of every school child at least once each year is provided for, and the most rapid extension possible of school dental service so that the teeth of all school children can be cared for. . , , The milk-m-schools scheme is to be pushed forward so as to include all schools in the Dominion at the earliest possible moment. Additional health districts are promised and an increase in district health officers and nurses to provide better health services. The institution of an industrial hygiene branch to investigate and combat occupational diseases is included, and increased support of the Medical Research Council, as well as the provision of the most efficient maternity attention and care in, all parts of the Dominion. Educational Opportunities Educational provisions are:—The continuation of the Government’s successful policy of providing for all children the fullest educational opportunities from the kindergarten to the university, the further development of kindergarten education, and maintenance and extension of the Government s •• present energetic education building programme to provide the best of new school buildings, including native schools, a progressive reduction in the size of classes, and the maintenance of the numbers of students in training colleges at full strength. Special attention is to be given to the educational needs, both primary and post-primary, of the country child, including the consolidation of schools, post-primary schools, and school departments in country districts, and assistance to pupils through increased conveyance services and boarding allowances.

CONTROL OF . ( CREDIT In extension of its policy, the Government proposes to maintain-and-ex-tend the control of credit and currency until the State is the sole authority for the issue of credit and currency.

The first major act of the Labour Government was to buy out shareholders of the Reserve Bank at market rates and to strengthen the powers of the bank so that it, could better preserve the stability of the Dominion’s currency, and also provide, the bariking service nefcessary to bring unused resources and idle labour _ together to produce goods and services to provide for the needs of the people. State Advances The first point concerning State Advances is the provision of credit to the fullest extent' for farmers at lowest possible rates of interest; to provide the maximum advance of capital at the lowest rates of interest for persons in rural and urban districts who desire to own their own homes and for the erection of suitable houses for the accommodation of workers on farms; to extend the provision of credit for the establishment and extension of secondary industries. Secondary Industries

The establishment, protection and expansion •of manufacturing and other secondary industries essential to the development of the Dominion is. included in the policy. The Government believes that a vigorous policy of industrial development and .expansion is essential to the welfare of the Dominion. This, the Government intends to carry out so that the industries of New Zealand will be efficient and will, at the same time, have regard to the Dominion’s trade relationship with England. The Government, through the Department of Industries and Commerce, has made extensive investigations into possible new industries. As a result of these investigations, a number ot new activities have been commenced and others will be commenced in the near future.

The first essential of any programme of development is the provision of basic industries. It has, therefore, been decided to establish the iron and steel industry, as on the success of such a venture the prosperity.'of so many other industries must depend to a great extent. -

Scientific and Industrial Research The fullest investigation of national resources of all kinds of minerals, soils, plants and animals with a view to their exploitation for the purpose of increasing production and-; living standards is included., . 1 The maintenance and improvement of wages and conditions in industrial and other employment' in accord with productive facilities and potential living standards. Native Affairs (a) The immediate determination of sums which should be provided equitably, to meet native claims. (b) The extern: m of native land development and settlement. ,(e) The’provision of houses; water, Sanitation and health facilities in native districts. . . . . (d) To enable Maori people to take part in public life which is rightly theirs, and enjoy the increasing standard of well-being afforded to all who contribute to the growth and production .of the Dominion. '■ . • On the subject of land development the policy’aims at:(1) To bring into productivity all available unoccupied ■ Crown - land which is suitable for development;

The installation of. modern aids to teaching. the extension of physical education on the most approved »cientiflc- lines in all schools, the im-

(2) To acquire (by purchase) land which to-day is not being adequately farmed;

(3) To provide for settlement of acquired land after development; (4) To provide security of tenure for occupiers by leasehold titles conserving full value of all ments to the lessees;

(5) To give preference to application for lands when developed and stocked to competent rural and other workers and sons of farmers for whom land has not been previously available at economic prices; (6) Financial assistance to farmers to enable them to develop and improve their properties. PRIMARY INDUSTRY The policy includes: — (a) Organisation and support for expansion and diversification of primary production to ensure maximum availability of commodities that can be marketed within the Dominion and overseas. . . (b) The extension of the guaranteed price procedure to provide income for farmers measured by New Zealand living standards in accord with services rendered by the farmer. (c) The continuance of negotiations with the United Kingdom and other countries with a view to securing expanding markets for New Zealand s primary products by bilateral agreements. , , , (d) The regulation of orderly marketing in the Dominion to ensure reasenable pnices to consumers whilst maintaining guaranteed prices to primary producers. The producer now gets a guaranteed return for butter, cheese, wheat, fruit, honey onions, barley, and tobacco The internal handling or marketing of these products is now supervised so that quality is improved, service is better and more efficient, nobody makes undue profits, and the consumer gets the products of the soil at reasonable prices. Public Works (1) Maximum facilities for the improvement of secondary and mam highways with special consideration for the construction and improvements of roads in backblock areas. , (2) The completion of existing and the extension of railway construction WO rks Various Public Works undertakings already initiated will be completed and the programme of construction will be continued and expanded. . The provision of electricity at minimum charges for domestic needs in rural and urban areas is included, with special facilities for the supply of power to farmers and manufacturers at low rates to reduce production costs. Railways Modernisation of the railway system, with the latest designs in rail-cars, mul-tiple-electric units, electric locomotives, improved engine designs . and rolling stock generally for the service of the public, is the present policy and this policy is to be continued in future in order that the country’s great national transport system shall become one of the most efficient in the world.

Land Development

The policy also provides for; (a) The organisation of land development and utilisation by the extension of irrigation works and swamp drainage by modern methods. (b) The extension of the afforestation system with provision for maximum economic utilisation of the products. (c) The establishment of a special department for the prevention of. river erosion and cleaning of riverbeds. Planting of hills with a view to avoiding the disastrous floods which have been experienced during the last 10 years. .... The complete organisation and coordination of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, to ensure most effective defence of the Dominion. . ....... The Government, in its belief in collective security, will continue us support of principles contained in the Covenant of the League of Nations and the maximum provision for the defence of the Dominion, together with co-ordination to the fullest extent with the United Kingdom and other members of the British Commonwealth to maintain its existence and assist in* its protection. Removal of Anomalies The Government during the first year of the next Parliament will consolidate the Land and Income Tax Acts to remove some of the injustices and anomalies which have existed for many years. ... ... Statutes and regulations associated with the Public Service, railways, and teachers’ superannuation funds will be examined in consultation with representatives of the services concerned, with a view to removing some of the anomalies and providing for adjusted benefits for husband and wife, whichever is the survivor, and the removal of the injustice at present experienced by widows of railway superannuitants. The election manifesto of the Government will be issued on Saturday. THE BROADCAST The* Mayor, Mr T. C. A. Hislop, who presided this evening, said the dominant feeling was one of pleasure, to see the Prime Minister looking fit and well. Mr Savage referred to rumours that he had promised the Independent candidate for the Bay of Islands that no Labour candidate would stand against him. “I have never made any such promise,” he declared. Similar stories had come from Kaipara. Those who wished to help the Government must, in each case, vote for the selected Labour candidate. ~ . . . Mr Savage began his address by stating that his purpose was to show, in simple words, .and with plain facts, that the Government had done its job . of mending a broken country thoroughly and well, and that it was, determined to go on with the good work for the people. “Let us contrast the standard of living and progress to-day with what the Nationalists imposed on the people during the five years of the depression,” he said. The position before Labour came into office was disgraceful and intolerable in a country with rich resources. Nothing mattered then except cutting down costs. The Nationalists had not changed. Again they were pledged to their masters to cut costs. They were un.able to believe in the success of new ideas ' and new methods. The Nationalists were going up and down the country stating that the battle was between Socialism and private enterprise, whereas the battle was actually between stupidity' and plain commonS °Mr Savage said the Government had begun on the fundamental defects oi the financial system by taking over the Reserve Bank. The people gained control of the public credit. The Government had also taken over the principal mortgage agency, the State Advances Corporation. Its principal efforts had been directed toward assisting farming industries by guaranteed prices, orderly marketing, and mortgage adjustments. ' Position of Farmers “We are not out to steal the farmers’ land. Our job is to nut people on the land, and to keep them there, Mr Savage said. Tlw Government had done more to increase the equity of the farmer in the last three years than the Nationalist's would do if they were in power for 103 years. Thousands of farm’mortgages had been adjusted, and £4;000.000 had been written off under the Government’s mortgage relief legislation., Last year £1,500,000 was voted for the improvement of country roads. The wage-earners had no illusions about who raised their wages, improved their working conditions, and gave them a 40-hour week. “We can’t stand still. We must go on, or go back. Which way shall we go?” asked. Mr Savage. ' Voices: Go on. Mr. Savage: That, will do me. . •Everyone should’ know which way to vote when it came to the- question : whether wages.* .in j the should be £ 65.000.000 -or - £100,000,000 a year, Mir Savage said. , It had been said • that the Government was out to destroy religion.

If old people got 30s a week that would not be destroying religion; - It would be bringing the kingdom of God on earth. It had also been said that the Government was hurrying on the election to get it over before the Prime Minister passed away. (Laughter ) Mr Savage added that if he could see the reactionary forces in New Zealand smashed, he would be ready to die. His intention in regard to the use of the radio was not to use it to defend himself, but to defend the honour and credit of the Dominion. “I’ll look after myself without the broadcasting service,” he said. “Another little darling, and the furniture will be ours,” said Mr Savage, referring to the National Party s plan for loans to newly-married couples. “You can’t buy furniture* cheaper than that,” he added, amid laughter.

Housing Policy

Why was it that the National Party in the House did not oppose the Social Security Bill? asked Mr Savage. They said there were things in it they wanted; but now they say they would not allow it to operate. They couldn t have it both ways. Referring to charges that boys and girls were to be taxed under the scheme, Mr Savage said there was no insurance company on earth that could give the same benefits. He denied that if boys and girls could not pay, their parents would be called on. Labour had been the first Government to carry out a successful housing policy. It had called tenders for more than 5300 houses, in 75 towns. The Nationalists aimed at a private building programme at the rate of 5000 houses a year. Labour was already exceeding that number. « CREDIT AND CURRENCY The clear objective of Labour was to make money the servant, instead of allowing it to remain the master, of mankind, said Mr Savage, dealing with credit and currency. It was just as necessary for the nation to be the sole authority for the issue and control of money as to he the sole authority for the organisation and control of the army and navy. “You will be told, as in the past, that the people’s savings are in peril; but you may accept my pledge that the people’s savings will be safely invested, and the public credit will be intelligently used, when necessary, for the creation of assets for the people,” Mr Savage continued. “Don’t be worried by scaremongers. I am not going to pledge myself to you without knowing what I am talking about. I know the Government I am working with. I will be able to meet you in the days to come, and look you square in the eye.” Farming was New Zealand s major industry, Mr Savage continued. The Labour Party intended to pursue a policy of closer settlement. The purchase of estate, which were capable of carrying a lai.;er population would be embarked upon under a planned system, the State providing a full measure of finance for building, stocking, and equipping farms in order to enable farmers’ sons and other capable men with farming experience, but without sufficient capital, to become efficient farmers. Every care would be taken in purchasing estates for closer settlement to avoid the mistakes of the past through paying too high a price for land, or cutting It up into uneconomic farms.

The Government intended to extend the guaranteed price procedure to provide income to farmers, measured by New Zealand living standards, and in accordance with the services rendered. The claim that the Labour Government had done more for defence than any of its predecessors was made by Mr Savage. It had achieved greater co-or-dination than ever before, he said. He gave an assurance that everything that could be done was being done. Expenditure was three times as great as in 1935. Fore Rubbish “The National Party has chosen to represent the issue at this election as a death struggle between private enterprise and Socialism,” Mr Savage said. “That is pure rubbish. It is a contest between doing things and sitting down waiting for things to turn up." The Gpposition policy was remarkable both for what it omitted and for what it stated. The Labour Government was creating a new social order, with higher standards of living, and a greater measure of happiness and prosperity to the average man and woman. As a democratic party, it was asking for an emphatic popular mandate to translate that faith into reality. The Leader of the National Party was seeking to divide the country on two main issues? social security and guaranteed prices. “I accept that challenge now,” Mr Savage said. “We will fight it on that. If the people do not want the social security proposals, they will have to get rid of me and the Government. These proposals are going into operation. I am not threatening anybody. You can depend on me to cprry out the pledges I am making to you in the name of Labour.”

The National Party said it would pay the guaranteed price fbr the present season. Then the system would end. The Nationalists said they were going to give back the ownership of the produce to the producer, Mr Savage said. He had yet to learn that the producer did not own his produce. The Government, in effect, only bought it from him when it reached the ship’s side. Mr Hamilton was asking the dairy farmer to exchange the substance for the shadow; but, after all, there was only one' point at issue, the price. The dairy farmer knew well enough where he stood, Mr Savage said, and all he asked was that the farmer should compare his position before and after the guaranteed price came Into operation. “Again, may I assure you I do not take my promises to you lightly,” said Mr Savage. “I know the meaning of words quite well. I want to be able to spend the remainder of my days in your service. I will do that, too, with God’s help, and with yours. (Applause.) I don’t want anything but your goodwill,” concluded Mr Savage. “If I can get the goodwill of the people of this country, I will go down to the grave satisfied.-”

Motion of Confidence

The following motion was carried unanimously: “This mass meeting ot Wellington citizens thanks the Prime Minister for a masterly and inspiring review of the political situation in New Zealand, and his explanation of the Labour Party’s election policy, and hereby records sincere appreciation of the splendid work that he, his Cabinet colleagues, and the Parliamentary Labour Party have accomplished in three years in transforming the economic, industrial, and social life of the people. We are proud of the work they have done, and look forward with confidence to a continuation of the splendid achievements after election day. Furthermore, we express complete confidence in the Prime Minister and. the Labour Government, and pledge ourselves to work untiringly for their return on. October 15.” , .... Prolonged applause and cheering followed. Mr Savage throughout had an enthusiastic reception.

MR H. E. HERRING AT LEESTON

Mr H. E. Herring, Labour candidate for Mid-Canterbury, addressed a wellattended. meeting at the Leeston Town Hall on Wednesday evening. Mr B. Brown, chairman of the Town Board, presided. . .. An attentive hearing was given the candidate, and a motion of thanks and confidence in Mr Herring and of confidence in the Labour Government; moved by Mr W. R. Fraser and seconded by Mr A. H. Lewis, was carried.

CRITICISM OF MR NASH

“Figures Adopted Arbitrarily”

MR H. S. S. KYLE’S CHARGES

“ Reasonable Advice

Overridden ”

Strong criticism of the Minister for Finance, the Hon. W, Nash, on the grounds that he had arbitrarily exceeded reasonable estimates of the country’s ability to pay for Labour schemes, was voiced by Mr H. S. S. Kyle, National Party candidate for Riccarton, at Little River last evening. Mr Kyle, who had an audience of more than 100, emphasised his point of view that in considering both the social security scheme and the guaranteed price, Mr Nash had over-ridden ail reasonable advice. Mr Kyle also criticised the Government’s plan-for financing housing. “We asked the British Government actuary, Mr Maddex, to estimate our national income,” Mr Kyle said. “Mr Maddex found that over a period of eight years the national income averaged £111,000,000. But Mr Maddex was told to frame his scheme on the basis of a national income of £150,000,000. When the scheme came before the House of Representatives, Mr Nash said that he had based it on a national income of £160,000,000. “With the guaranteed price, Mr Nash also went above the figures provided for him by the Guaranteed Price Advisory Committee,” Mr Kyle said. “Mr Nash arbitrarily fixed his own figures. Now, when discussing the national security scheme, Mr Nash said that while Mr Maddex was a very fine gentleman, he had the wrong viewpoint. Mr Nash and Labour members also talk of the standard of living, existing at present. But I,believe that if Labour is returned to power you will not find the same standard of living as you are getting to-day. There is evidence of a recession, even in Mr Nash’s latest budget. There is evidence of a world-wide depression, and on the eWoence of Mr Nash and Mr Savage the country cannot piaintain the present standard of living." Criticising high taxation in New Zealand, Mr Kyle said: “We have now reached the highest incidence of taxation in either Australia, New Zealand, or Great Britain, although Labour said that it did not believe in high taxation. Mr Savage declared before the elections that New Zealand was ‘taxed to the limit.’ Then, In the last dying hours of the session, Labour brought down an amendment to the Social Security Bill, bringing in the company tax. Mr Maddox said that the scheme would cost £19,000,000 in the first year. Mr Nash said it would cost £16,000,000. Mr Nash does not worry about the future cost of the scheme; but I say that unless the national income reaches £160,000,000 next year, we cannot put the scheme into operation, I know that they are using every effort to put a bogy over the people—butw.e know that their aim is the socialisation of the means of production, distribution, and exchange. And that is the published objective, after all, of the Labour Party.

Issue Before' Electors “I believe that the prime issue before the electors is private enterprise versus Socialism,” Mr Kyle said. “I do not think that the country has reached the stage where the people are willing to be handed over to a band of Socialists. They talk a great deal about the ‘old gang,’ but wnat about the old gang on their side. Some of the members of their ‘old gang’ did not come here at the wish of New Zealanders. I know one of them who was hounded out of Australia.

“They deny that they are Socialists; but I know that if the Hon. D. G. Sullivan was challenged, he would declare himself a Socialist. However, they are using every camouflage to hide their real intentions, and are declaring that they are old Liberals, wearing the mantle of Seddon. My view of the Railways Department, for instance, is that the service given by the railways is costing you something like £2,000,000. Now, if all they say about the wonderful possibilities of Socialism is true, why don’t they apply Socialism to the railways and save you this cost?” Finance for Housing Mr Kyle criticised the methods adopted by the Government to finance the State housing scheme. Last year the Government had said that the £5 000,000 to be created for housing would be new money. But this year, Mr Kyle declared, there had been a clause in the Finance Bill giving the Government power to borrow the money from the Reserve Bank. After all the claims made, it was found not to be new money. The Government had to pay interest on it. “People should know what the country has to pay in interest on this housing 'loan,” Mr Kyle said. “Apparently an interest rate of U per cent, is being charged. But if such a low rate is being charged, why is the State Housing Department charging such high rents for the houses? The rents run up to as high as 32s 6d a house." Criticising the failure of the Government to meet its promise to remove the sales tax, Mr Kyle quoted a letter which he said was written three years ago by the Ht. Hon. M, J. Savage, when Leader of the Opposition, to a North Island businessman. He quoted Mr Savage as saying:—“ The sales tax is probably the most unjust of all tax.es and I assure you that a Labour Government would lose no time in wiping it off the Statute Book.” The sales tax brought the Government its surplus for the first year, Mr Kyle said, and that showed why the Government was not anxious to remove it. Mr Kyle also claimed that the Labour Government had misled the country over the guaranteed price. Mr Kyle defended his actions over the proposed outlet scheme for Lake Ellesmere. He seici thst there been a lot of mud slung by the Minister for Public Works about the business, and declared that it was being used politically against him. Mr Kyles attitude had been that nothing could be done without the local authority interested taking the initiative. When the local authority did move, Mr Semple had asked why nothing had been done by previous Governments But Mr Kyle said, other Governments had’ never been asked, except the last Government, which, when it went out, was moving in the matter. When the bill came up in the short session deal* ing with the Forsyth scheme and other matters, he had been informed by the Prime Minister that no local body legislation would be permuted. But he found that Mr Semple had been trying to rush through the clause, in the Reserves and Other Lands Disposal Bill. Mr Kyle said that he had certain technical objections to the bill and protested to Mr Savage, who agreed that the clause should not go Kyle, who reviewed the election policy of the National Party, had an extremely quiet hearing until questiontime, when he had to answer a great number of questions, on all sorts of topics, from .public works to the guaranteed price. He was given a hearty vote of thanks.

KEEN INTEREST IN ELECTION

Large Audience

At Akaroa

NATIONAL CANDIDATE’S ADDRESS The first address in the present campaign was given at Akaroa last night by Mr I. J. Wilson. National candidate for Lyttelton. The large audience, numbering 130, which was present, indicated a keener interest in politics than during the last General Election.

Mr Wilson spoke for one and a half hours and was given a very attentive hearing. The speaker was applauded throughout his- address, and at the conclusion a vote of thanks was moved by Mr C. W. Leete and carried with prolonged applause. At the conclusion of his address he answered a large number of questions, which met with the general approval of the questioners.

The Mayor (Mr F. R. E. Davis) presided. Mr O. A. Thelning, who. seconded the motion, thanked the speaker for answering his questions. The National Party believed that the system of private enterprise and individual freedom had served the Dominion wonderfully well in the past, said Mr Wilson. It had built the Dominion up from nothing to its present position in less than 100 years, arid had given the people of New Zealand the highest standard of living of any country in the world. Socialists declared that the system was wrong and should be substituted by a system in which the State would become the sole owner of the means of production, distribution, and exchange, or, in other words, the entire economic system. It was the duty of the National Party to explain the real issue to the electors—the issue of British democracy against Socialism, and individual ownership and liberty against State ownership and domination. v Labour Party’s Objective

Socialism was a menace, and it was only necessary to examine the constitution of the Labour Party to see that Socialism was its one objective, he said. Only 47 per cent, of the voters supported Labour in the last election, but because of a third party and a number of independents this was sufficient to give Labour 70 per cent, of the seats. It could not be said that even 47 per cent, of ■ these voters declared for Socialism. They simply swallowed the bait of attractive promises.

During the first three years the Government passed practically every legislative enactment it required. Ministers had been given absolute dictatorial powers to control the. currency system, the transport system, industry, internal marketing, and dairy produce. To make its powers complete and final the Government nad taken from the people their constitutional of appeal to the courts of justice. This was the absolute antithesis of the fairness and justice that had been the hall-mark of all the legislation of the National Government in the past. Personal Freedom The National Party aimed at the complete restoration of personal freedom and individual liberty. All dictatorial powers that had been placed in the hands of the Ministers would be wiped off the Statute Book. Constitutional rights of appeal to the courts of justice would be restored to the people. The farmer would again have the ownership, of his produce and people would have their legitimate rights to engage in business free from unfair State competition and everybody would have the right to own their own homes. The speaker then enlarged upon the detailed planks of the National policy under the headings of Empire reciprocity, the farmer and guaranteed prices, land settlement, population, housing, wages, and social security. » Mr Wilson criticised the financial implications of the Social Security Act which, he maintained, were of such magnitude that there would be a serious danger of the entire social structure breaking down under the intolerable burden of taxation. The total cost of the services provided for in the act, together with the cost of unemployment relief, would amount to the colossal sum of £22,000,000 in the first year. This figure was more than one third of the total cost of the Dominion’s exports. Liberal Policy

The National Party’s policy concerning social services, he said, was as liberal as possible, consistent with the nation’s ability to meet the cost. The scheme included, the maintenance ot pensions at their existing level, and tfle provision’ of pensions for widows and* orphans. There would be a complete health service absolutely free to those who were not in a position to pay 'for it themselves, and particular attention would be paid to the prevention of disease. An important feature was that the medical profession would not be socialised. A ministry of social welfare would be set up to deal with these matters. Its principal objective would be to take care, of the health, physique, and general well-being of the people. , , Dealing with what he, termed the “guaranteed price fiasco, Mr Wilson said that the fallacV of chasing arti-ficially-inflated costs with subsidies had at last been demonstrated and costs had won. The Guaranteed Prices. Advisory Committee unanimously recommended the payment of 16Jd per lb of butter-fat with 2d more Tor butterfat for cheese-making. This would have resulted in a deficit of £2,824,000 for the coming season, assuming that output and market prices would be the same as last season. Dairy Account Deficit Mr Nash obviously regarded such a deficit as utterly unmanageable, and he admitted that heavy subsidies must inevitably wreck the guaranteed price procedure. Accordingly, he reduced-the price by approximately Id per lb below the committee’s recommendation. The only inference was that the Government’s policy had pushed costs up far beyond an economic level, and to such an extent that, even with a substantial su’/sidy, it was not possible to give the da>ry farmer the standard of living to which he was entitled. The problem, which was not an easy one, had been tackled the wrong way, and the National Party realised that it would take some time to restore stability in those industries. In the meantime the National Party would carry on with the price recently announced. The whole l matter would then be thoroughly overhauled after a close consultation with the dairy industry. Mr Wilson concluded by saying that the National Party’s policy was one of enlightened, progressive liberalism. The election manifesto showed, that progressive... and humanitarian legislation could be given without the attendant dangers of Socialism. It was essentially a constructive programme in the true sense of the word. All that was sound and good in the present legislation would be preserved, and all that interfered with individual rights and freedom would-be rthrqwaTart* v

“TAXATION IS A SCIENCE”

LABOUR PARTY’S ACTIONS CRITICISED MR BRAY’S ADDRESS AT LYTTELTON Objecting to the Labour Party’s continued use of taxation and what he termed its “lamb-like bowing to sound finance," Mr W. B. Bray, candidate for Lyttelton, told a Lyttelton audience last night his reasons for breaking from the Labour movemen and standing for Parliament without party affiliations. Mr Bray, who spoke for 90 minutes, criticised both tne National and the Labour Party, once saying that the choice between them was like the choice between being shot and being boiled in fat. • No motion affecting the, candidate was put or carried at the end of tne meeting, the only resolution being one of thanks to the chairman, Mr F. E. Sutton, Mayor of Lyttelton. , The audience at the beginning of Mr Bray’s address numbered 40, but it dwindled away until by question lime there were 20 in the room. A sergeant of police and a constable were in attendance, but were required to take no action of any sort. Interjections were frequent, and most of tnem referred to Mr Bray’s former membership of the Labour Party.

Taxation and Socialism “It is a science, this putting on of taxation, to-day/* said Mr Bray early in his address. “But I want to point out that taxation is the exact opposite of Socialism. In Socialism we organise to get benefits we would not otherwise get. I put it to you that taxation is not a benefit. It's taking something from you/’ “Taxation is the biggest burden in civilisation. It’s in 'every country jn the world —except perhaps in a few uncivilised parts where they nave savages. When I supported the Labour Party I believed they would reduce taxation,” he.added. ' ■ “Could you reduce it in three years, asked an interjector. . “I thought they were going along one road, but they’re not,” said Mr Bray. “If they’re taking the south road they can’t be heading north. “But they’ve increased wages, haven t they?" asked the interjector. “You’ve only a limited idea of what s going on round you,” retorted the candidate. ■ . , .. . “There’s no choice between the two Governments, Labour or NationaL «ic only thing left to you is to elect an Independent who will do what you wish,” Mr Bray went on. “You’d be a corker to put it,” came an interjection. “I went into the Labour Party openly. They knew my views when I went in. Mr R. M. Macfarlane told me that I could join and try to put my viewpoint to them. I found that the Labour people, when you meet them are just as reasonable as anyone else. But the Labour Party is a means to an end. Unfortunately, they haven’t a very clear' idea of what they’re aiming at. I tried to clarify it. Their end is Socialism, but Socialism is not an end in itself. Mr Bray’s Objective “I suggested after I’d been in the Labour Party a while another objective —the delivery of all goods and services desired, as'and when required, with the least effort to anyone. If you look round the world to-day you’ll see there’s a very high-standard of production. But the workers are not. getting anything like the standard of livthey would get if the world was only- producing the things that people really want. “We’re being dominated to-day by powers which, compel, us to work. Every political party in this and every other country is trying ‘to find work —• to end unemployment. That would be all right if we were not producing enough of what the people want. But they’re dumping wheat and burning coffee, and actually we’re producing too much of what people want,” Mr Bray said that his first quarrel with the . Labour Party was that his remit about the-party’s objective on which the branch he belonged ,to was unanimous, hacEbeen. side-tracked. The remit was never given a “fair run by the Labour Party conference, and ■it had been shortened and attenuated before it even, got to the conference. £ “Leave them alone and tell us what, you’re going to do,” said an interjector after a further reference by Mr Bray to his former connexion with the Labour Party. “I haven’t got to give you a policy except this—my policy is to be your servant and implement your wishes to the powers that be.” said the candidate, asked for his policy. “If you prefer more taxation, to be regimented, or to be told to intake guns before you can make butter, then vote either Labour ’or Nationalist—because both are committed to that policy.” “I do complain about the lamb-like way they bow to the dictates of sound finance,” said Mr Bray, after he had said that he had no quarrel with the good intentions of the Labour people. In one sense the Reserve Bank policy was in no way different to the old Re-, serve Bank policy, he contended. “It is true that the bank has to provide all the money the Minister for Finance wants. But that money is on overdraft, and has to be paid back.” Discussing the Social Security Bill, Mr Bray said that it was the contributing side of the scheme he objected to. At first they were going to tax less than the amount that would be needed to pay the benefits, but later the Minister, realising that there would not be enough money, had put on another tax—the special company tax. “But all these taxes come down to the consumer,” said Mr Bray. “All this extra tax will be passed on. And there is one important exemption in that company tax. The banks, the one concern that could pay the tax, do not have to pay it. “Does this not give a hint as to who our masters really are?” concluded Mr Bray. KAIAPOI ELECTORATE Mrs J. Worsfold presided at an address given by Mr C. Morgan Williams, Government member for Kaiapoi, at Charing Cross on Wednesday night. A motion of, thanks" to the speaker was carried at the conclusion of the meeting. Mr Williams gave an address before a large audience at Greendale on Tuesday night. Mr C, H. Adams presided. The speaker was accorded a vote of thanks.

MR WEBB AT REEFTON

“OPPOSITION WELL BH ANNIHILATED”

GOVERNMENT’S RECORD REVIEWED

[From Our Own Reporter.!

MR T. H. LANGFORD’S MEETINGS

REEFTON, September 23. “New Zealand’s wages bill is up £33,000,000 over 1935. Take that away and you’re got the depression which the Labour Government pulled you out of,” said the Minister for Mines (the Hon. P, C. Webb), addressing more than 500 electors at Reefton 1 to-night. “When the Labour . Government came to power you left behind you • a Government that lacked Vision and lacked courage, and was dictated to by. '- the banks and combines. Wages had been reduced and poverty was everywhere. Now, after three years Of- ; Labour Government it’s a different story. There’s a job for those who can ’ work and wages are available to workers which enable them to enjoy- * a standard of living to which are entitled. T . - 1 - “The: Labour Government has "no apologies, to make T- doubt if : any Government has ever honoured all its pledges as we -have. I will be very much surprised if we don’t go back with an increased- majority, and the Opposition Party will, be annihilated, • and why shouldn’t they be annihilated? Their administration was entirely lacking in vision and lagged behind the times. I believe my friend Adam Hamilton’s ideas belong to 'the time of Adam and-Eve. We are living too close to great "times to realise the full extent of the great work the Government is doing. j “With the passing of - -the Social Security Act the Government capped off the enlightened social legislation begun by Seddon. Seddon started the ball rolling and that legislation had an electric effect on . the rest of the world. Economists and sociologists all over the world turned their eyes \ to little New Zealand which led all other nations in enlightened social legislation. .Now again New Zealand has led the world and history will not fail to record the enlightened social policy which is giving the people of New Zealand to-day a life - and security which is right, but is not . everywhere the possession of every : man. •

“We want to do what is' laid down in the Sermon on the Mount, ‘Do unto . others as you would they should - do unto you.’ It’s our job to take care i of our people, and that is the essence of the Social Security legislation.”

A hearty vote o£ thanks was accorded Mr Webb, and increased confidence was expressed in the Labour Government. Mr J. McGregor, a member of the County 'Council, and secretary of the Miners’ Union, presided. , *

Mr T. H. ■ Langford, Labour candidate for Riccarton, addressed two = meetings on Tuesday evening. There • was an attendance of 50 af Ataahua, . and one of 70 at Motukarara, and votes of thanks were accorded the speaker. About 200 electors attended a meeting at Lincoln on Wednesday evening, and after his address Mr Langford was given a vote of thanks and of confidence.