NATIONAL PARTY LABOUR PARTY'S POLICY NEW AIRCRAFT-CARRIER

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 54, 1 September 1943, Page 7

NATIONAL PARTY

LABOUR PARTY'S POLICY

NEW AIRCRAFT-CARRIER

PRESENT AND POST-WAR PLANS

NO SLUMPS IN NEW ZEALAND

The great tasks that lie ahead of New Zealand call for vigorous and bold development of plans based on the principles of freedom, justice, and security, states the Labour Party's manifesto for the General Election. Here is the Labour Government's plan fof the immediate present, and for theTeconstruction period after the war. The Labour Government will continue with unflagging energy and purpose the prosecution of the war until victory is won. Labour reaffirms its* pledge to re-establish in a secure and prosperous civil life all men and women, Maori and pakeha, who have served in the war or have been engaged in the war effort. Labour guarantees that whatever happens elsewhere in the world after the war, so long as we have resources and men, there will be no slumps for the people of New Zealand.

Achievements in War.—The Labour Party expresses its sincere admiration for and gratitude to our forces on land, sea; and,, in the air ; in the Middle East, in Great Britain, in; the Pacific Islands, in Canada, in the Dominion, and wherever stationed throughout the world for their devoted, effective, and courageous service for New Zealand, the British Commonwealth, and the United Nations. The Labour Government's policy has been to provide the best of everything for our men and. women in the Services. The standard of care, pay, ana allowances is unsurpassed in the WNew Zealand, with/its Labour^ Government, r will continue' to devote an its resources; to achieving victory. New Zealand's war effort has been the admiration of the world. Mr. Winston Churchill said, "Your country has played a great part. It has never put a foot wrong."

Many thousands of workers at present receive holidays with pay, and this fair t>rinciple will be incorporated in the law so that all workers will enjoy this right.

Health. —It is the purpose of the Government to complete the free health service for all citizens, to establish health centres, to institute a free dental service, and to organise all public health services for the prevention and cure of disease and the promotion of health.

There will be no departure from Labour's intention of establishing a universal medical service, including the specialist and the consultant. The town and city areas will lend themselves to the development of group practice within clinics. Every encouragement will be given to the setting up of these clinics, where the best the world can provide in modern medicine, curative and.preventive, will be available. It is intended to extend the dental service to the pre-school child and to the adolescent, and at the same time to train at the Dental School sufficient dentists to enable the establishment of a free dental service for the whole community within a few years. On the return of nurses from war service, and when, suitable women can be trained, the Government will institute a home nursing and domestic aid service. ■ ■ " Medical research activities and the work of promoting health will be maintained and extended. The »milk-in-schools and apples-m----ichools schemes will be continued and expanded.

War Pensions.—The Labour Government guarantees to provide fully for the sick and. wounded, and for the dependants of all those who gave their lives for our freedom. .... , As well as providing fully for hospital, medical, and nursing treatment, and such medicines and appliances as may be necessary to restore their health, the Government has increased war pensions, in particular, the disablement pension from £2 to fedi a! week, the economic pension irom sus to 35s a week. War widows qualified for war and economic pensions will receive £3 a week where there are no children, or £4 5s 6d.with one child, together with an additional 10s 6d a week for each other child. Servicemen receiving either indoor or outdoor hospital attention receive full army pay. • Rehabilitation.—Labour pledges itself to re-establish in a secure and prosperous civil life all men an women, Maori and pakeha, who have served in the war or been engaged in the war effort. New Zealand's rehabilitation scheme is well under way and its provisions lea Edar?rthe war.the Government provided by law for the right of the ffier to /eturn to his former job or employment no less favourable, Where preference is shown for some other I avenue of employment everything pos, 'sible is being done to meet the wishes of ex-servicemen. Provision has been made for the resumption of .apprenticeships, training in trade schools and in the various branches of_ farming, the equipping of men who require tools of trade, the provision of educational facilities, including university .courses, the acquisiton ol land*for soldier settlement, the expansion of the Government's housing programme to provide for the returning men, generous assistance for those desiring to purchase or build their own homes, interest-free loans for the purchase of furniture, and assistances in j •acquiring businesses. A rehabilitation allowance has been provided for those who cannot immediately be fitted into permanent employment The problem of rehabilitation is interwoven with that of reconstruction. Labour therefore pledges itself to I plan and develop those major schemes which will not only provide for the rehabilitation of the serviceman, but will increase the standard of living of our people and provide economic security for all. PLANNED PRODUCTION. The Government is determined to promote the development and expansion of primary and secondary industries and to encourage co-operative productive enterprise. The principle of the guaranteed price has now become so firmly estabr lished as to require no emphasis. Labour will ensure to the farmer an adequate return for his product m all circumstances. . ■ , Labour also undertakes. to support co-operative projects by producers for processing, distributing, or marketing their produce. . Labour will also assist the primary producer by the encouragement of the application of scientific research and the most modern technical benefits. Labour's policy of assisting to the maximum our secondary industries has resulted in a magnificent contribution to the war effort. ~, The Labour Government will continue vigorously to support and encourage secondary industries in the future as in the past, and wherever goods can be economically produced in this country facilities will be made available for their manufacture, thus providing most useful work for our returned servicemen and the thousands of young New Zealanders leaving our schools each year.

Education. —Labour is resolved to continue the expansion of educational facilities until every child is assured of the maximum opportunity in all sections of our education system. Labour's policy has always been free education from; the kindergarten to the University. Kindergartens or similar classes will be established in association with all schools, where the numbers warrant. Extension of school buildings on modern lines will be continued, facilities for manual and technical instruction will be further developed, and bursaries awarded to suitable students to enable theni to undertake professional courses at the University.

Recreation. —To encourage the wise use of leisure, Labour will assist in. providing for all forms of healthysport, recreational activities, and cultural developments. The Government will encourage all organisations and institutions whose object is the provision of such recreation for youth. Housing. —Labour's housing scheme is not excelled anywhere. Until the exigencies of war enforced limitation of construction over 15,000 State rental houses were built. The housing programme will be continued with all possible expedition even during the continuation of the war. On 1 the cessation of hostilities there will'be an expansion enabling the completion of 16,000 dwellings a year. This will not only provide houses for\the people but will facilitate the demolition " and displacement of many of the congested areas in the cities. Security of tenancy is guaranteed to all/ State tenants, with the right secured, to the family to continue the tenancy of the home. In order to assist those who desire to build their own homes, the State Advances Corporation will continue to lend at low rates of interest on a long term. . , , ~, , Rural housing will be expedited. People in country areas will enjoy all the amenities of modern housing. Native Affairs. —The Labour Government stands for equality of Maori and pakeha. The Government will continue to provide full educational opportunities for the Maori children, including agricultural and technical training. In this respect the Government. has far surpassed anything attempted, or even thought of, by previous Governments. The settlement of Native lands will be proceeded with vigorously and the necessary finance made available. Maori arts and crafts will continue to be encouraged and promoted. Houses for the Maori people will be of the highest standard. The rehabilitation training centres already instituted by the Government for Maori servicemen will be extended, as required. The negotiations already begun m regard to a. complete settlement of the Maori claims will be immediately resumed with a view to an early and complete settlement. LAND SETTLEMENT. Already large areas of land are being developed on lines to ensure an economic return. It is the Government's policy to utilise Crown land and to purchase suitable areas from private owners. Labour's policy also provides for the use of modern mechanised and scientific methods so that discharged servicemen can be settled on fully developed farms with security of tenure. Finance will be provided at minimum rates of interest for servicemen and others desiring to acquire their own farms. Discharged servicemen who are experienced farmers will be placed on fully developed farms and in addition adequate facilities for training servicemen to become competent farmers will be provided. Full wages will be paid during the period of training. No servicemen will be settled on land at a price higher than its economic value, a result made possible by the passing of the Servicemen's Settlement and Land Sales Bill. Where a soldier is established on the land he will be given a lease with a perpetual right of renewal, or freehold on agreed terms. ~ ~ , In order to provide for those who desire to acquire their own farms or properties, generous financial assistance will be made available at low rates of interest. Afforestation. —The Government has plans prepared for a Dominion-wide scheme of afforestation and efficient use of our forest resources. Large areas of lands are being made available and additional suitable lands acquired for this purpose. National Development. — This is Labour's policy for national development: To accelerate the development of hydro-electric power under g 10----year programme; to provide for the complete reticulation of rural areas ensuring an ample supply of. electricity for homes, farms, and industries; to complete the roading scheme, particularly in the backblock areas, as soon as plant and personnel become available; to institute a comprehensive scheme of riyer control, and the prevention of soil erosion. Transport.—Labour will continue the principle of efficient control and coordination of all forms of transport by rail, sea, and air. War has brought into prominence the prospective use of aerodromes and modern passenger and transport planes. Steps will be taken by the Government to make all these available as far Q,§ possible to the community, Airmen who have served so splendidly in the war will be employed in civil aviation after the war. International Peace.—The Labour Government's policy is to co-operate with Britain, the Dominions, and other nations in the promotion of international peace and security by contributing our full share' in assisting the people of the United Nations who have suffered through enemy action, and to bring into operation the principles of the Altantic Charter.

Stabilisation.—The policy of the Labour Government is to maintain the purchasing power of wages and incomes and to stabilise producers' costs and prices. Prices must be controlled and already more than 200 items have been fixed in price. , * , «_ The Government has adopted the principle of stabilising the farmer s prices as well as his costs. Agreements have been reached with the dairy industry and the : Farmers' /Federation for the holding of farm costs. . This policy i'of consultation and agreement with ■ representative.:organisations will be maintained. , . Social Security.—Labour will maintain and extend social security until eVery phase of home and, -family, life, including sickness and old age, is guaranteed against poverty and insecurity. ■' The New Zealand Labour Government was the first in the world to adopt a comprehensive social security scheme. Ev§ry year has shown substantial advances in the social security field, and as circumstances permit the Government will extend and expand social security. ■•-. -. - ; - -,■■■ ,:■ -. • - Finance.—Labour will continue ■ the control of the Dominion's banking, credit, and currency system for the expansion of production, primary and secondary, and the prevention of inflation and deflation. The Reserve Bank acquired by the Labour Government has been exclusively operated for the public welfare. Labour holds that the State must be the sole authority for controlling the issue of credit and currency. Labour's housing programme and marketing undertakings-have been advantageously, and profitably financed by the Reserve Bank. ■-■ Labour will use the Reserve Bank to prevent deflation or depression. . Whilst ensuring control of .banking, credit, and currency the Labour Government has always recognised the wisdom of keeping public- expenditure within the bounds of public revenue. Although faced with unprecedented war expenditure the Government is determined to keep the overseas debt at the lowest possible figure. On March 31 last,, apart from war debt, the-overseas -debt as compared with December, 1935, had been.reduced by £11,412,000. Economic Security.—Labour under: takes to provide a minimum home and family income, including holidays with pay, and ensuring to all adequate food, Clothing, housing, and medical care. The policy of ensuring full employment will be continued. The principle of a minimum wage will be extended to ensure an adequate income for the family. The Government undertakes to institute a scheme which will ensure to every mother such family income as to provide economic security for the whole family.

ELECTION PROGRAMME

A NEW CREDIT SYSTEM

The programme of the Democratic Soldier Labour Party has been issued. Advocating a new credit system, the party says it would create a Ministry of New Industries, and an Industries Credit Corporation to advance funds at nominal 'rates/for industrial purposes and for the' acquisition of shares in industries by employees on a cooperative basis. The manifesto is as follows: — ■

War and Peace.—We stand for a common-sense war effort. We do not believe that only the winning of the war matters. We desire to see the war won and New Zealand emerge not exhausted physically beyond the propor-r tional exhaustion of our Allies. We want to win the war for living men and women in New Zealand, as well as for democratic ideas. We believe our war commitment to be in excess of our man-power and industrial capacity, and that our commitment should be in the Pacific so that home life can be refreshed by men. based on our own land and on leave in our own land. One land division adequately reinforced we believe a reasonable commitment. We _ would face at once a realistic revision of manpower. • Credit and Currency.—No New Order can be built without a new credit system. Wd wou|d advance the production and distribution manager and engineer.in importance in society. We say that whatever we can organise the nation to produce physically is financially possible. We believe that' the banking service should be to facilitate the 1 production, exchange, and consumption of goods, not a business to create and advance commodity credit profit. ■ Credit for Industrial Expansion.— We spent £120,000,000 this year for destruction and have over 200,000 people withdrawn from industry to produce and consume destructive equipment. With the return of our armies and the demobilisation'of war workers big schemes of industry building are possible. We would create: 1. Ministry of New Industries. 2. An Industries Credit Corporation to advance funds at nominal rates to (a) citizens willing to find proportion of cost of new industry.' (b) existing manufacturers where New Zealand's needs necessitate expansion of existing industry; (c) cooperative groups of soldiers and employees willing to acquire shares in new industries or by arrangement between a consenting proprietor and soldiers, .o* an -employees' union where co-opei*ative groups of soldiers or organised workers desire to become part owners rather than "hands" in an existing coroperation; (d) the State for the building of essential heavy industries, directorates to be built of practical manufacturers to, whom, the commodities manufactured will be raw material, State representatives, workers' representatives, the aim being the cooperation of all interested in production at minimum cost of basic essentials in much the way in which today the community combines to produce and distribute water power, the, idea being not new State Departments, but rather production co-operations with a democratic purpose and charter.

Unless we have planning of this sort, planning wherein existing and new private and social units co-operate for social good, chaos lies ahead. With production for use not interfered with by the need of maintaining money as a profit commodity, an age of plenty is at hand.

Credit for Farmers.—Establishment through Bank of New Zealand of stock and station agency to finance farmers at nominal rates. Gradual replacement of mortgaged indebtedness with table mortgages at nominal rates so that farmers may win debt freedom. Advancement of credit to bona fide farmers' co-operatiyes to enable use of machinery, marketing, farm improvement to be socially engaged in. Funds for rural housing at between 1£ to 2 per cent.

Land.—We concede whatever tenure pleases the tenant. We aim at a reduction in the size of farms and in indebtedness. We aim at farmers doing one day's work for themselves rather than eight hours for the farmer and eight for the bondholder. We prefer a soldier on 100 acres free of debt to a soldier on 200 acres a bond slave.

Credit for Consumption.—Utilisation of credit at peace to switch production consumption from war to peace without major crisis. Credit to extent of unutilised industrial capacity can in part be used to provide improvements in social services, such as pensions, health, education. Substantial bonuses or gratuities to soldiers to be released over a period, and thus sustain purchasing power after demobilisation. Housing.—Large-scale programme of house building providing houses from seven and eight rooms to pensioners' flats. Advancement of credit to say 1£ per cent, to home-builders desiring to build for private ownership, thus reducing the costs of ownership by about £1 a week. Advances to modernise or repair.

Motherhood.—lf we can afford £120,000,000 a year for war and liff taking, we cannot afford to -be niggardly to ensure national survival. We would aim at peace at £1 per head for mothers of each child, regardlesr of husband's income. This is not visionary but eminently practical.

Health. —Building of clinic system where stipendiary staff will provide complete modern service. Increased provision of hospitals and maternity homes. Higher salary and status for women staff.

Education. —School building and improvement as a rehabilitation measure, We would cut dead wood out of the curriculum. Provision of living allowances or wages to the extent of Dominion's needs for long term trainees for professions, thus making the world safe for democracy in the schoolroom.

Pensions.—At peace an improved old age pension as a right not determined by income. A present . increase to compensate for living costs. Automatic revision by statistician of all pensions in consonance with rise in the cost of living. Substantial revision as. national income recovers.

Soldiers' Pensions. —Establishment of principle of family pension of at least £5 5s for married man of 100 per cent, disability, plus family allowances, lesser disability to rank as percentage of £5 ss, with deduction where single.

Radio. —Provision of musical scholarships or free tutorship by adequately paid staff. Increased expenditure on New Zealand art -and artists, all surplus funds to be invested in children of talent and in the payment of New Zealand artists.

Churches, Halls, Theatres. —Advances to congregations, civil communities, little theatre societies, cultural, recreational, or welfare societies at nominal rates of interest—say 1J per cent. —to provide buildings.

CAMPAIGN OPENED

ADDRESS BY .MR. HOLLAND

CHRISTCHURCH, This Day.

What he termed "a five-prong programme" for a New Zealand of happy families, living in their own homes, and without unemployment and avoidable sickness, was expounded s by the Leader of the National Party (Mr. S. G. Holland) when he opened the party's election campaign, in an address in the Theatre Royal last night. He said the party's policy meant happiness for the masses, prosperity for those who did their share, and security for those who'could not do their share. "We will give the people good government without class discrimination, without fear,, and with honesty and consideration for every citizen, he After explaining that rural topics would be dealt with by him when speaking in the country electorates, Mr. Holland said the General Election gave the people the opportunity to choose their Government after comparing the policies and measuring the merits of the candidates. There was a tendency to object to other parties and Independents, but the National Party subscribed to the right of every man to stand for Parliament. In common, they all wanted to see a better world. They differed only in methods. Two Labour Parties were standing, one led by Mr. Fraser arid the other by Mr. J. A. Lee. Both believed in socialisation of the means of production, distribution, .and exchange, and the bureaucratic control of the people s way of life. There was a party or group organised by Mr. A. E. Davy, who had stepped up his bid from £70;000,000 when with Sir Joseph Ward to £100,000,000 with an anonymous leader. Then they had the National Party, which he described as a splendid team, mostly young, nearly all New Zealanders by birth, and all anxious to build a better New Zealand. . , The National Party believed that the people were happiest when most free from Government dictation and in a system where they lived in their own homes and ran their own farms and factories and in which the Govern- j ment served the people, and not the other way round. They subscribed to a system of competitive free enterprise, in which people who worked hard were better off than those who slacked, people liked to-do their own thinking, and where industry, enterprise, and thrift were virtues to be rewarded rather than looked upon as indiscretions to be penalised. "A BETTER GOVERNMENT." Declaring that if he understood public opinion, the people were fed up with personalities and recriminations, Mr. Holland said the people wanted the policy of the parties. They knew perfectly well whether or not they liked the Fraser Government, and he was convinced that many desired a change of Government, but they were fearful lest a change might result in'their jumping from the fry-ing-pan into the fire. He did not say the Government was all wrong. What he did say was that the National Party would give the electorate better government. "I want to make it perfectly clear that we are not offering something for nothing, and we are not going to make a lot of wild promises that can't, be fulfilled," said Mr. Holland. "New Zealand is fed up with promises of public works without public debt, social security and less taxation, less work and more goods, higher wages and cheaper goods." The basis of New Zealand's material future was a little word with a big meaning—work. The "first essential was the maintenance -of healthy and prosperous primary industries, and, equally important, they must promote industries giving employment to the people. . Broadly speaking, the policy was under five headings—work for all; a planned, attack on the causes of want; •the restoration of personal freedom; justice to the parents of families; the building of homes for the people to own. After stressing the importance of rehabilitation and explaining the party's proposals, Mr.-Holland said there had grown up in New Zealand an intolerable system of State dictation, bureaucratic interference, and departmental inefficiency. The industrial licensing system created vast monopolies and even returning servicemen could not get licences to earn a Jiving. The system had increased living costs and supplies, while quality had deteriorated. That problem would be vigorously tackled by the National Party. Intelligent planning of employment was advocated by Mr. Holland, who said the Dominion must always be careful to give Great Britain, her best customer, every consideration. His policy was1 to deduct from the total receipts from exports interest paynents and the cost of essential -im-->orts such as oil, rubber, etc., not procurable from Britain, and to purchase i he balance of raw materials not pro-, vided by local resources from the; United Kingdom. Farming provided '.he overseas funds and the manufacturing industries the employment here. There was, room for widespread expansion of manufacturing industries, but there cou;d be no progress without industrial harmony. It had to be admitted that the worker had not always had his full share of increased production, and profit-sharing and co-operative co-partnership were schemes which would be introduced and fostered. SOCIAL ISSUES. "The party that does only the easj thing, the popular thing, is unworthj of support," declared Mr. Holland when discussing moral and sociai questions. The liquor licensing. lawL had become farcical. The trade, the Alliance, the man in the street, were agreed on that, and the National Party would not dodge that vital issue. The licensing laws and the liquor trade generally would be investigated by a Royal Commission, the people would express their opinion, and his party would act. New Zealand could never become the country they strove to make it unless social cankers were removed.

"We see our goal clearly ahead," he cqncluded. "The world is on the march. The rights of the common man are supreme and the gates of freedom and opportunity must be open to all. Every freedom, every right, every privilege, has its price and its corresponding duty. Those duties are to work hard, to improve one's knowledge, to' be honest and upright, to practise good will and toleration, and to apply the principles of Christianity, The National Party pledges itself to those responsibilities."

Civil Service. —Steps to arrest deterioration of conditions of Civil Service; to consider revision of pay, the anomalies .of supei*annuation and social security, the need of tradesmen's pay for tradesmen's work, worker representation, pay of'cadets, travelling allowances, and adequate housing for transferred staffs. OUR CANDIDATES. With forty-eight candidates selected at the moment of preparing this Manifesto, one is the mother of four New Zealanders, twenty-four have worn the uniform in this war, twelve in this war and in the last war, and six in the last war. Twenty-five per cent, of our candidates are farmers. We have representative workers from many industries, we have commercial, m.en, manufacturers. We have an able seaman and a naval lieutenant-com-mander, all the ranks from private to captain, and aircraftman up to flying officer. Most of our candidates are young New Zealanders. ADVANCE NEW ZEALAND. When the manufacturing and producing power of the world which is, thanks to dictators, misused in war, is switched to intelligent production, distribution, and exchange of commodities, a world of plenty, of leisure, of prosperity will be possible. The building of a new order will not be easy but will call for the earnest good will and co-operation of every citizen. If we can get the will to co-operate, for the building of .a still greater and better New Zealand than we now have enlisted for war purposes enlisted for social well-being, greater income for farmers, lor workers in industry, for

Rec. 9 a.m

NEW YORK, August 31

Mrs. Knox, wife of the Naval Secretary, launched the aircraft-carrier Hornet, of 25,000 tons, the successor to fne original Hornet, which was lost in the Battle of Santa Cruz on October 26 last.

our professional services, a vast increase in leisure and in culture for all will be possible. Patriotic good will and industry will be essential in the moment of peace, We cannot have goods without industrial effort, remove slums without arduous demolition and rebuilding, restore the fertility of our soils and build new industries without a common acceptance of the pioneer task of national reconstruction. We believe our citizens can be inspired to see that every citizen has a decent home, every child is born in other than a slunl, that ardent effort in reconstruction is the prerequisite of restored industrial income. We believe that as the war is now made the keystone of national effort, so should the home be made the keystone of national welfare and prosperity. New Zealand has a great social, cultural, and industrial future if we are worthy.

Democratic Soldier Labour aims at freeing the community of all the shackles, material and traditional, which prevent the building of a great New Zealand, at conserving all the foundations and traditions that are worthy of our people. New Zealand can be made tye social mansion of the Pacific.