POLITICAL PLATFORM

Hokitika Guardian, 26 July 1928, Page 4

POLITICAL PLATFORM

OF FARMERS UNION

WELLINGTON, July 24

Tho political platform of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, as drawn r,p by the Political Committee of the Union, was announced ’by the presiden'fMr W. J. Poison) in his acklresto the Dominion Conference of the union to-day. The platform ns stated hv Mr Poison was as follows:

G-mcral Finance—Closer attention to internal finance and particularly to the effect of the banking monopoly upon the country, with such changes in the Government representation upon the directorate of the Bank of New Zealand as will insure the- interests of the State being distinguished from and not necessarily subservient to mere nrofiit-enrnitig interest. Better Rural Finance—The prop-:' co-ordination of flic lending and Land Settlement Departments of the State, particularly the long and short-term Credit Board, with adequate farming representation upon the United Board. The revision of tho legislation of tlm 1927 session in regard to intermediate credit and that increase in the limit of long-torm c-redlt. Better Traders’ Finance—The extension of tho principle of intermedin to credit to traders and workers to whom the system might be applied with enormous advantage.

Relief from Taxation—By drab tic economy on the part .of ■both the Stnto and the local bodies of the Dominion. By the more equitable distribution of tho cost of maintaining our national and district roads. By tho recasting of hospital rating so that the burden shall he placed equally upon town and country. By the rearrangement of taxation along the lines suggested by tlie Taxation Commission so as to redirect tile stream of finance to rural securities.

The plank dealing with the arbitration law is precisely as tlhe united body of employers (of whom we are a section) recommended—is in fact r. copy of those recommendations.

Turriff-—ln the interests of the whole Dominion it is necessary that the primary industries should be safeguarded by legislation, so as to place them on a more equal footing with the secondary industries. A policy of protection tends to increase tho cost of living and of production, and it is necessary in order to remove this burden, that the fullest inquiry should ho made by a truly representative body to -detefrniine: 0) What arc the natural and essential industries of the Dominion ; (2) the order in which such industries should be devoloped; (3) the condition necessary to their efficient establishment; (4) the extent of the assist-' ance such industries, if efficiently established and conducted, will require for their maintainanee from time to time; (5) the l>est method of stimulating Imperial and inter-Empire' trade.

Land Settlement —A more enlightened land settlement policy providing for: Closer settlement upon more liberal conditions and the move rigid prevention of the aggregation of land suitable for subdivision. Assistance in settlement where the nature of the land renders it desirable. A ronding policy designed to assist in opening up settlements without Ikying such heavy burden upon the laud. Remissions of rent or interest where necessary and desirable. More frequent and expert valuation of land on a productive basis.

Social Legislation—The provision of national insurance on a universal contributory basis. A properly balanced immigration policy with strict supervision and careful organisation either 'by means of a board or some Letter constituted authority. A scheme of unemployment relief upon sound economic lines.