MINISTERIAL MANIFESTO

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1322, 10 November 1914, Page 4

MINISTERIAL MANIFESTO

WKIJ-TNGTON, NOV. 6

Ip a manifesto issued to-night the Prime Minister states that the first plank in the platform of the Reform Party is—

That New Zealand shall worthily sustain its share in the responsibility and obligations of Empire by: (a) Vigorous perserverauce with the system of national training for defence, by which New Zealand’s young manhood may become citizens fitted for safeguarding the people’s hearths and homes and for helping the Empire in lime of need.

(b) A naval policy by which New Zealand will train its personnel and gradually develop the Dominion’s interests in the Imperial Navy, which will adequately protect the Empire as a whole, maintain supremacy of the flag in the Pacific and render safe our trade routes.

Continuation of the policy which has already placed the finances of New Zealand, especially as regards the State Advances Department and public works on much more satisfactory basis than was the case when the present Government took office.

Land for the people and people for the land—

(a) The maintenance of the freehold principle, which encourages owners to improve their property, increasing its yield while maintaining the land in “good heart.” (b) Development of a sturdy, self-reliant yeomanry by special attention to bona fide settlement o! small areas of good land.

(c) Promoting ■ subdivision ol large estates which are suitable for close settlement by the automatic increase of the graduated tax, this policy to be exercised with just and sane discrimination between land which is improved and unimprovable, and land which is kept in an unimproved condition.

(dj Facilitating settlement by an energetic well-planned pro gramme ot roacs and railways. Suitable laud which may be improved by public works will be acquired in advance of settlement when such procedure is practicable.

(e) Continuance of the new system by which revenue from the State’s land_ transactions will be used to promote further settlement.

(f) Establishment of Agricultural and Land Banks to minimise the financial anxieties of settlers and to enable them to hasten the development of their laud. (g) Encouragement and improvement of agricultural education for individual and national benefit.

(b) An expansion of the system by which the aid of the State’s expert officers is available for various Industries.

(i) Proper use of native lands for advantage of both races. (j) Provision of a better form of appeal in the case of disputed valuations of land by officers of Stale.

By giving belter access to the backblocks and by other facilities, the Reform policy will assure a proper balance ot population between urban and rural areas.

The new policy initialed by the present Government ot bringing boys to New Zealand experienced in country work and apprenticing them under complete protection as to their wages and comfort to farmers, will be prosecuted.

Methods have been devised to provide for larger numbers of immigrants of the domestic help class.

As valuable aid to securing the best possible return from exports, Government has' decided to establish a Board of Trade and Commerce, which will keep in close touch with the world’s markets, note the movements of trade, and watch the shipping factor in regard to inward and outward freights. One feature of the Reform Government’s Imperial policy will be the granting of additional preference where necessary to British manufactures, and making reciprocal arrangements with other members of the Imperial family.

Those manufacturing industries tor which the natural conditions are favourable in this country will be encouraged.

The policy of promoting the welfare of raining by direct and indirect assistance is to include iron and oil, which have with coal a special national importance.

The Reform Government has given special attention to a development of food fisheries for local and overseas markets. This valuable industry will be fostered in accordance with the recommendations of Professor Prince. Government has under consideration a scheme by which advances may be made to reliable men for the purchase of boats, to remove Customs duties on gear pertaining to the industry, and to endeavour to bring about removal by the Commonwealth of import duties upon New Zealand fish.

The Reform policy includes afforestation to ensure adequate supplies of timber for the future, and prevention of indiscriminate destruction of forests. The Reform Government has been steadily improving and protecting the public health. The inspection of dairy herds is now more effective, and this activity will be continued.

The main lines of its general policy are: — (a) Checking tubercular trouble at the source.

(b) Encouraging and helping local authorities in the campaign against tuberculosis. (c) Courageous administration of the Pure Foods Act,

(d) Medical inspection and physical training of school children.

During the past two years Government has fully redeemed the pledges which it made in regard to increased benefits under the various pension schemes. As soon as circumstances permit it is proposed to remove the penalty upon thrift, which is at present inflicted upon an applicant who is disqualified by reason of his possessing a home beyond a certain value.

This year’s Education Act brought the greatest reforms since the national system was instituted, and the good work will be continued till the smooth co ordination of the primary, secondary and university departments is complete. The whole system is free of fee now for any pupil of fair ability and perseverance, and includes provision for research and matters helpiul to local industries. The Reform policy for land and secondary industries ensures work for all willing hands and willing minds. Provision for encouraging various industries will increase the national wages fund, and therefore directly benefit all workers. The cost of living is to be reduced by—

(a) Erection of workers’ dwellings by Government. (b) State advances to workers for building purposes. (c) Advances to counties and boroughs, etc., to enable them to purchase necessary laud and erect workers' homes.

(d) Reduction of Customs duties on certain articles in common use.

(e) By'extending the scope ol the Commercial Trusts Act to facilitate proceedings against monopolies, which attempt impioper exploitation of the public.

Preparations are being made with a sound plan to insure workers against sickness and unemployment. As soon as finances permit it is the intention of Government to again submit for consideration of the Friendly Societies a scheme of national subvention.

One of the safeguards against involuntary idleness will be an amended system of labour exchanges. The legislative programme includes a system to improve relations between the general Government and local bodies.

It is proposed to thoroughly overhaul the existing railway fares and rates, with a view to reducing the cost of travelling, especially tc children of tender age, and to readjust various admitted anomalies in the goods freights, among which may be mentioned freights on hard wood and imported

timbers on shoits, empties, etc. Lons; distance trains will be still further speeded up without causing undue inconvenience to wayside passengers. While progressing with the national policy of railway construction Government will encourage a spirit of self help in districts which are willing to carry liability for development of lines. The general railways equipment is to be improved in accordance with the General Manager’s recommendations.

The Reform policy will leave no just cause for the cry of “social injustice” or denial of opportunities.

At no time in the history of New Zealand was the field for career more open for workers’ sons in the public service, private professions, commerce, trade or industry, and these avenues will be further broadened. The Reform Government’s policy is to treat the Maori as far as possible as the pakeha, and the beneficial effects of the new regime are already visible.