A NEW POLITICAL PARTY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 35, 5 November 1917, Page 6

A NEW POLITICAL PARTY

PRELIMINARY MEETING. Wo are informed that a numbor of ■well-known citizens have been taking preliminary steps for the formation of a now political party. Thoso interested in this movement, it is stated, believo that thero is a widespread feeling among a very largo proportion of the electors that all tlio existing political parties are largely out of touch with the post-war necessities and conditions of tho Dominion. Prompted by this feeling they convened, by invitation, a meeting which was held at Godber's rooms, Courtonay Place, on Saturday evoning last. Th'oso present proceeded to formulate certain principles that should guide the policy and operations of the proposed iparty. These are as follow:—

1. Democracy is recognised by this party as t'ho basis of souild government. 2. Tho law in force for the time being should be strictly and' impartially enforced until constitutionally repealed. 3. The true object of government is the development of citizenship and the welfare of tho nation depends ultimately on the quality of the citizens, which will develop as their intelligence and character develops. <t. Always excepting matters of conscience, the claims of the community are paramount over the claims and interesls of all individuals or groups of individuals.

5. The nation has the right to command the persons and property of all citizens in time of war.

6. The interests of Capital and Labour are recognised as mutually dependent, and the State should be directly associated with those interests.

It was decided to call tho organisation "The New Party," and a provisional constitution was adopted, including tho following platform:— Education.—Extension of educational facilities generally, including an extension of tlie compulsory' school age; tho provision of continuation classes, and tho encouragement of young people's organisations; recognition of the vital importance of the study of science and its application to industry, and the necessity of encouraging research; the building up of a first-class teaching staff; education to be regarded as tho function of the State, rather than of individuals.

Defence.—Maintenance of tho present Territorial system, efficiency not only in tho combatant branch, but in tho noncombatant as well.

International Trade.—Encouragement of tho opening of new markets, trade with the Empire and with allied nations to be fostered, as well as domestic industries. Commerce and Industries—Trado combinations against tho public interest to be heavily penalised; encouragement of co-partnership between employer and employed, and all forms of co-operatioii and profit sharing; State and municipal trading to be encouraged and extended so long as this is done on sound business lines, free from political control. Social Organisation.—Universal State pensions, with right to increase these by means of contributions; improved housing conditions and the abolition of crowded areas; simplification of local government, with the abolition of unnecessary local bodies; freedom oi Education, Defence, and other public services from political control; encouragement of growth of population. Land Settlement.— Encouragement of small holdings, and improvement of conditions of life in tlic country; v.tihsation of the hydro-electric power; a progressive Native land policy; nij further sain of Crown lands. Taxation.—A larger proportion of revenue than at present to bo derived from income t«ix, inx, And (lo&th duiit'S. Electoral.—Proportional representation, with single transferable voto. To return to Parliament candidates pledged to support these objects. . A provisional executive was appointed and it was resolved that anything already done bv the promoters of the party should be regarded as of a tentative nature, and to invite persons interested to be present at a meeting to be held at an early date, with a view of enrolling ntw members and establishing the party on (i permanent basis.