THE FIGHT FOR REFORM.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1222, 2 September 1911, Page 4

THE FIGHT FOR REFORM.

A PLATFORM IN BRIEF. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Christchurch, September 1. The following short platform lias been adopted by the Canterbury Political Kol'orin League:— Financial Reform. (a) That Departmental administration be placed on an economical and efficient basis. (b) That no further loans shall bo raised except for railway construction, Slato guaranteed advances to settlers, workers and loc-al bodies, and for redemption of existing loans. Land Reform. (a) That a vigorous land settlement policy be adopted, particularly with regard to Native and ordinary Crown land*s. (b) That the system of settling rural lauds iu future shall be both by leasehold (not exceeding 21 years) and freehold, such leaseholders to have the option of conversion at any time at tlio capitalised value of 5 per cent. In tho settlement of all lands the ''home, maintenance" area shall be the limitation. (c) That tenants of Crown lands oa lease-in-perpetuity be allowed to purchase tho freehold on equitable terms. (d) That the proceeds of the sale of all Crown lands shall be kept apart from ordinary revenue, and held at the disposal of tho Land Purchase Hoard, mid bo used for tho purpose of further settlement. Public Service Reform, That appointments to tho Public Service bo vested in a non-political board. Local Government Reform. That tho functions of local authorities bo enlarged and extended with the object of enabling them to finance and carry out development works without tho asi.atanco ot Parliamentary giants. Legislative Reform. That tho Upper House shall be clcctivo Social and Industrial Reform. (a) That a commission be appointed to inquire into the results of compulsory arbitration in. tho Dominion. _ (b) That tho scope of the National Provident Fund Act be widened with tho object of providing insurance of workers against unemployment, invalidity, awl ai'itiH'ss.