GENERAL ELECTION, 1928

Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1928, Page 2

GENERAL ELECTION, 1928

PRIME MINISTER’S MANIFESTO. (Per favour of Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates.) At this General, felectio'n of. 1928 I ask the public .for a eontinuedjfexpression of cp,nfitlence in the. Government, which dufiitg; th'e last three years has tluctessl lifiy ’carried out a heavy proprogramme of social and administrative reform, and has our people to main taijCft standi! id pf living which is probablf.fvthe bpst the world. During 1#& some .people, dismayed by' a" scions drop in the world prices 'of. our principal exports, were constantly preaching pessimism, as if the Doriiijiion would neVbr again liave prosperity-apd - happiness. On my. .creinrh- the Imperial. Con feren cejVmy/ col leagues a>nfl I did our utmost'te counteract these baneful influences by emphasising our confidence. in the country’s wonderful natural i ;andiin . the self-re-liance of , our people. Our prediction of better is n.ow being fulfilled, and New Zealand is steadily regaining her position, of economic stability which is the envy: of many other countries.

FACTS V. FICTIONS.

* In 1925 I issued n behalf of the new Government a manifesto which was limited to a statement of policy. Th'e Government was then looking forward, to a busy period pf three years. That time has now passed, but its achievements amply justify a renewal of confidence in the Ad-, ministration. By persistent misrepresentation attempts have been made to create in the public mjkfd an impression that the Government in its policy and administration has disappointed reasonable expectation. The promise of the Government- was expressed in the forefront of the manifesto or 1925 in these words “No , spectacular programme, {no fapciful promises. Rational safety apd prpgrpssiye development,”. To that government adheres today. ‘ Those words defined its course 'dueling the pajst. apd those WQjrds express its its policy for the future. ' A f ;

SOUND FINANCE

careful management of the national finances,..,, thp Government has he|tl th<rccjrtfidehoe ypf the world’s chief money jp;j|yhpt, .London, a confidence which wagvstrlkingly shown on the raising; of‘■the; recent loan; of £5,000,OOQ. '-This loan, Which i was greatly over-subscribed, w as remarkable for the fact that the nominal rate of interest, which, for some time past, had ruled at 5 per cent was, on this occasion!', reduced to 4£ per cent. The flotation was positive proof that the world’s keenest financiers regarded New .Zealand as ft very solid country, with a Government working on sound principles, •The various obligations due to the Great War and the continuation of a progressive Public Works programme must figure largely iri the national expenditure, hut the Government will continue to effect economies wherever practicable. The results are seen in the relative reduction in the administrative costs of State Departments during recent years.. The Government’s policy has kept the net burden on the taxpayers on a very favourable basis when compared with the position in many other countries.

The Government hopes that the improvement in the Dominion’s financial position will continue to such an extent as will permit of some measures of relief in the matter of taxation.

INCREASING THE NATIONAL ''DIVIDEND. .By ;the services of the Department''Agriculture, by a progressive transport policy with railways land roads, 'and-by the of cheap hydro-electric power, the Government is entitled to due credit for assisting increased production from the lahd. in railway freights' .iias. been a boon to prima^-producers, and lias materially tQ/Increase the output from their farms. ■ j The assistance afforded by the Government tq : fruitgrowers and to pork producers, protection extended to the wheat-growing industry, and the develpmentJ of tobacco-growing constitute tangible- 1 evidence of the earnest desire of Government to encourage all branches of primary production. V'. .

Wealth from Timber.—The Government’s afforestation policy is destined to make New Zealand an important supplier of soft woods, of which the world - |s facing a dwindling supply. On “the initiative of those directly concerned in timber-milling, proposals are under consideration for a reorganisation of this industry on a basis of greater efficiency to the advantage of producer and consumer alike. Reliable experts are of the opinion that New Zealand possesses a valuable potential asset- in vthe development of the wood-pulp industry. .Mineral Resources. —Apart from gold, coal, and kauri gum, there has been little development of our mineral resources, which can offer opportunities for the investment of capital. The geological survey is being continued so that reliable information will be available for investors. Meanwhile, the Government is assisting prospectors.

Oil experts who are testing the New Zealand fields are confident that the

Dominion will yet become an importapt producer of petroleum. Constructive Scientific Research.— The new department of Scientific and Industrial Research, established to assist all our industries, both primary and secondary, has made a good beginning, and its activities will eventually benefit all branches of our industrial life.

MORE FINANCE FOR FARMERS

;; When our, primary producers wore fayed with the. serious problem of fulling prices, the Government deemed it most important to strengthep, the position of the man already on the hind. Thousands of producers, particularly small farmers, felt the need ol additional facilities to obtain loans on reasonable terms. The Government, by means .pf the Rural Advances Act of 1926,' and the Rural 1 ntermed)ate Credits Act of 1927; lias assured, for farmers all ’.the advantages. hi; an Agricultural Bank. ; ;

A SOUND POLICY OF LAND v- SETTLEMENT. \ The world-wide decline in fhe prices of primary produce during recent years naturally checked the. demand for farming lands, and the Government wisely refrained from undertaking any risky settlement schemes during that unfavourable period. However, official figures show that subdivision of Crown Lands has been steadily proceeding. Careful calculations based upon, .soldier settlement revaluations , indicate that not less than £3,000 is required for the effectual settling of each farmer on a self-supporting basis. The Government has been carefully preparing for measures of progress along safe lines, and feels confident that legislation of the recent session, providing for group purchases with. Government assistance, combined with a carefully prepared scheme already in band for a large-scale development of pumicel country and other and not at present occupied, will facilitate further settlement.

In the pumice region the Government will begin with the development of a block of about 10,000 acres. The successful treatment of this demonstration area will make it a centre of prosperous settlement, and so open up the way for ,extending the scheme to other blocks in the vicinity.

HOMES AND SMALL FARMS FOR ' COUNTRY WORKERS.

To ena|ble country workers to purchase homes of their own, the Government has decided to acquire small areas of land in rural districts where the occupiers, when not fully employ-' 1 $ on other -work, could- devote 'tlieir time to their own holdings. These small farms, of from 10 to 15 acres, would enable the purchasers, with' financial assistance from the State, to establish themselves on the land in homes of their own.

ADVANCES FOR SMALL HOLDERS NEAR CITIES. Supplementing the system of financial assistance to workers, the Government has in mind the small-holder who, living on the outskirts of a town, finds time to keep a cow or two, some poultry, and a few pigs to add to his earnings in another occupation. Some assistance advanced would help an industrious man to establish himself not only to his personal benefit but also to the advantage of the emmunity. By this means, production would be increased, especially with the development of new markets for pork, eggs and honey.

FULFILLING OUR TRUST TO THE MAORI RACE.

The Government is making vigorous progress with consolidation schemes in Maori land districts, especially i,n the Poverty Bay, Bay of Plenty, King Country, and North Auckland areas; in settlement of the Native rating problem on an equitable basis; in the opening up of Native lands for settlement bv Natives and Europeans; and in the promotion of farming by the Native owners.

Sympathetic consideration is also being; a-iven'to• the claims and grievances of the Natives reported on by the Native Land Claims Commissions of 1920 and 1926. Alleviation of these old grievances is essential if all sections of the Race are to move forward' oh desirable lines. . : The Government is*-still further extending the activities of the Health Department in matters affecting the health of the Maori people.

PROBLEM OF LOCAL RATES

Producers in many districts are adversely handicapped by the burden of local rates. The deflation of land values and the revaluations now taking place in many counties reveal a serious position in some districts. The Government is closely studying this problem and is confident that a satisfactory solution can be evolved.

IMPROVED RAILWAY SERVICES

During the past three years a reorganisation of the railway system has been effected on a basis which will increasingly beneficial to the p’ublic. The working expenses will be substantially reduced byv the operations of the new modern workshops. To assure the most econmical and convenient services, the Government is actively working for the best possible co-ordination of rail and road transport, the whole cost of which must be borne by the public, directly or indirectly. BETTER ROADS POLICY. The “Better Roads” policy, which I formulated as Minister of Public

Works some years ago, lias been developed in tbe direction of easing the burden on the ratepayers, particulars in country districts, where the growth of motor traffic has created serious problems. The petrol tax now enabletbe Main Highways Board to provide liberal subsidies for local bodies. Tin principle that the user must pay is now generally accepted. »•

ELECTRICITY FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY.

,• The Government lias pushed on vigorously with its programme of bydn el< ctrie enterprise. These facilities have ,added to the comfort of home life, and have also assured cheap and convenient power for our primary and secondary industries.

ENCOURAGEMENT OF IN DUSTRIEB

The. .Customs Tariff protects the primary producer, at the same time, admits free, of duty a great many implements, machines and appliances that he requires for use on his farm. A further measure of assistance has also been given to a number of our in; liulacturing industries. The Government has actively emouraged the “Made in New Zealand” movement, ai-.l will continue to’ do so in every possible way. The activites of the Depa -taients of Scientific and Industrial Research and of Industries and Comni! wee will be always available for manufacturers.

The Tariffs of 1927 ■ lias further lessened the cost of living by admitting free of duty very many articles i general use. The housewife : to-day knows that she is able to shop more cheaply than Tariff.

MORE BUSINESS IN GbvERNMEN'f AND LESS,GOVERNMENT IN BUsiN&y. '

Consistently with.a proper safeguarding of the public welfare, the Government stands for full and fair scope for private enterprise, which is essential to satisfactory maintenance ol the national prosperity. PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL PEACE. "• . * A three years’ period of industrial peace is evidence tliat the Government, by encouraging round-tlfe-table discussions, has worked steadily for the removal of'causes of friction between employers and employees. In furtherance of this “get-together” spirit and to prepare the way for acceptable and Workable amendments ol tne Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, on which there has been a sharp conflict of opinion,,the Government convened a National Industrial Conference, which was attended bv political economists and by representatives of employers and employees. Although unanimity was not reached on the main question as to whether arbitration should be optional or compulsory', the delegates made important progress'-in the mutual understanding of the various difficulties. In the full confidence that further discussion will evolve a satisfactory basis of legislation, the Government has decided to arrange for another conference next year. CARE OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH. By extending the activities of the Health Department the Government has helped to keep New Zealand in the enviable position of having the world’s lowest general death rate as well as for children during their first year. The medical examination of school pupils and the establishment of dental clinics are being steadily developed. Tbe Government is making full provision for the St Helen’s Maternity Hospitals and for the encouragement of the Plunket Society’s infant-welfare work. More intense research is now being directed into the causes and factors making for difficulties and mortality among mothers in child-birth with a view to further lessening the incidence of maternal mortality and of child mortality during the first month of life.

With a view to standardising (according to grade of institution) the conditions and hours of duty of nurses employed in our public hospitals, the Government intends to invite Hospital Boards to. co-operate in a thorough inquiry into this important branch of social service.

MODERN VOCATIONAL EDU-

CATION

In our system of education, which is iiow practically tree from primary school to the university, care is being taken to keep abreast of modern conditions, and to fit our young people for careers in farming and trades as wet: as in commercial and academic pursuits.

The Massey Agricultural and the extension of facilities at the Lincoln College now provide opportunities for a first-class agricultural education, thus affording to our young farmers advantages which hitherto have been enjoyed almost solely by those entering other occupations.

SOLVING THE HOUSING PROBLEM. It must be obvious to even the casual - observer that the thousands of new houses in town and country are a visible proof of the material assistance furnished by the Government to homedwellers and a practical evidence of its goodwill towards working men and women. The housing shortage in many districts lias by this means been overcome, and, by the adoption of townplanning schemes, congested areas in our larger cities will be entirely eliminated.

ASSISTANCE TO LARGE FAMILIES By the' Family Allowances * Act of 1926 the Government has made a helpnil. fiegiiMiing with ' a system of reasonable assistance for large famii.es, nul there is a prospect of larger grants .villi an increase of the country’s prosperity. GREATER COMPENSATION FOR A OCT D E NT’S.

The Workers’ Compensation for Accidents Act, 1926, increased the amount if compensation in case of death to AI.OUO, and provision was also made for higher weekly payments for injury. invalidity pensions. While maintaining the provision for the various existing pension schemes, the Government has recognised the need of a national system of invalidity pensions on a contributory basis, .which will assist workers and their families when oertakeii by illness. In order to evolve comprehensive scheme, it will be necessary to work harmoniously with Friendly Societies and similar organisations already in the field.

REXUR NED SOLDI ER S. I am satisfied' that there are still many returned soldiers who are suffering from tlieir war service, although they are unable to establish tlieir claim to a pension. I propose to ask the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association to co-operate with me in finding some method of assisting these men insofar as tlieir cases cannot be met by the j efforts of the; various Patriotic Associations amt 'War Relief Funds; PROMOTION OF TOURIST TRAFFIC . . . i During the past three years the Government has carried on an active publicity Campaign to attract toll rusts to New Zealand, and there'is definite evidence that these activities are also effecively bringing our industries and* natural resources under the notice of thousands of people throughout the world.

UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM. During the period of world-wide economic stress, New Zealand lias had less unemployment than any other country in proportion to population. The Government has taken all practicable measures to assist, and lias found work for many thousands of men Much important statistical evidence has been collected' for consideration by a representative committee. The Government will spate no efforts in seeking a solution of this problem. The practicability of ' adopting a scheme of insurance against unemployment is also being explored. CESSATION OF ASSISTED IMMIGRATION.

Economic factors’ have necessitated an almost complete- cessation of the immigration policy indicated three ycM.t's ago. Members of 'separated families certain young people and domestics now form the main personnel of immigrants. As immigration is inseparably linked up with the question ol employment the resumption of an active. policy of immigration will not be considered until the special Unemployment Committee has reported to the Government.

IMPERIAL LINK STRENGTHENED 'The Government has. appreciably improved the means of consultation with the Mother Country. By contribution to the cost of the Singapore Naval Base and by the strengthening of the New Zealand Division of the Navy, our people are now giving a larger measure of assistance to the Mother Country in carrying the great burden of Empire defence. ADMINISTRATION OF SAMOA JUSTIFIED. Our administration of the Mandated Territory of Sainoa, which was approved by the Royal Commission of 1927, lias been again favourably commended, not only by the Mandates Commission of the League of Nations, but by the Assembly of the League itself. The decision of the world’s tribunal is a complete answer to those ill-informed critics who sought to impeach the integrity of the Administration.

NO PROGRAMME OF EMPTY PROMISES. I do not hold the opinion that a Government, by continually promoting legislation can ensure easy prosperity for everybody. Of course circumstances will inevitaby arise necessitating amendments of laws of new statutes, but I believe that the Government has already set out the main lines for satisfactory advancement of the country as a whole, and that the Dominion requires chiefly a steady persistence with the present policy which lias been designed in the interests of all classes of the community. From this brief statement of the achievements of their responsible executive the electors will realise that the members of the Government are in the. position of .directors of a great enterprise. They are presenting their report of progress, They claim that change of directorate at this stage of the country’s development will not be to the people’s advantage, however well it would suit the sectional interests and the personal aspirations of the Government’s * opponents. The facts prove that the Government has acted faithfully for the public as a whole, and has the right, on its record of service, to a renewal of the people’s confidence.

Finally, 1 desire again to draw attention to what I stated in my, inanii'etto in 1923. The Government stands lor toleration aiid lor equal opportunity tor aI! citizens; for the security of the individual, and for the stability of State and Empire. The Government’s ad heroine to those guiding principles has earned for our Dominion a worldwide reputation for sound government and a steady advancement in social welfare.