COUNTRY POLITICAL PARTY

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1928, Page 1

COUNTRY POLITICAL PARTY

ORGANISER. OUTLINES POLICY. TE PUKE, May 10. Mr R. H. Feisst, organiser for the Country Political League, addressc-d a meeting in .MyDonnell's Hall. Air G. A. McGnre, presided over n good audience. Air Feisst stated that the object of his visit was to open the way to a conference from branches Lo be lormed to decide what action should be taken with regard to the next election. The Government, while profes-

sing sympathy with the farmers, were not consistent with their words on account of party funds coming from big interests such as associated banks merchants and manufacturer*. The National party, if it came into office, would be in the same position. The Country party, while not aiming at the Treasury benches, hoped to have a few men who would he able (o hold the scales between extreme labour and the capitalists as represented by the Goveriimcn t

In two years’ time, he said, the number of workers on the land bad decreased by 14,000, and settlement was stagnating. Hundreds bold on their farms only by the grace of their mortgagees. Tho State debt of 215 millions, was DC per cent oT the State assets.

Mr Feisst condemned protective customs taxation as uneconomic, taxing tlic sotirco rather than the result of production. Credit was due to Hie Government for introducing the petrol tax. Tho League was not in favour of abolishing the Arbitration Court, but suggested amendments to bring it. in (line with the economic necessities. Awards based on the east ol living were wrong and required immediate attention. All awards fixing hours or wages affected the farmer, who was not represented at the Arbitration Court.

Tho effect of granting preferential taxation to incomes derived from local body debentures and company bonds was to make mortgage finance very difficult. A comparison with other countries showed fit at an ounce of

gold would in the several countries, produce the following “hours" of work. Germany, 205; France, 110; Britain. 00; United States, 50; New Zealand. -IT *.. The effect of the latest legislation inflated real estate values, on which the Government would advance 05 per cent of security. This was likely to cause a repetition of the writing off in the case of Soldier’s loans. The Government had not hacked up the legislalion for the better marketing of primary produce. The National parly, if returned to power, would soon lie dominated by the same interests now controlling the Betorin party. The Labour party was prepared to adopi ine vilest form of protective taxation, im-reasitig such to tho total exclusion ol overseas competition. Tlic party machine set up to manufacture bread could only turn out. stone.

The Country party offered a.s remedies: (1) A gradual reduction of protective Customs taxation down to a reasonable revenue producing level ; (2) in industrial legislation adequate representation ot all sections closely connected with industrial awards; (J) rural finances, which slum Id be attributed to the activities ol the League; (!) nationalisation ol tho main highways, progressive- taxation on the lines of the petrol tax, i.e., payment according to use; (■>) universal individual income taxation calling upon the results ol production ; (0) preferential voting both tor Parliamentary elections and national referenda.