Labour Party’s Two Programmes.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3862, 25 October 1928, Page 4

Labour Party’s Two Programmes.

0 — PLAYING THE DOUBLE. STRANGE POLITICAL GAME. “The N.Z. Labour Party is engaged in using two programmes one with which it hopes to gain support from the general body of electors and the other to retain the support of its socialist and communist adherents.'*' There is the programme of the Election Manifesto it has issued. That is largely a programme based on the principles of liberalism. Most of it does not belong to Mr. Holland’s party but has been borrowed for electioneering purposes. “Then there is the programme adopted by Conferences or. the party, another class of programme based on the doctrines of socialism. two programmes can be named—(l) Professions of Liberalism and (2) intentions of Socialism. , “In order to catch votes in the elections this party, which is definitely socialist in character, is hiding away its No. 2 programme, as much as possible, that 'of socialism. It is putting to the fore liberal proposals which were affirmed it ever came into existence, and which do not rightly belong to it. T|}iis is to deceive electors into supporting who would shrink from giving any assistance if it appeared in its true colour as Red revolutionary socialist. It is a cunning and unscrupulous game this socialist party is playing and one which no tine sport would endorse. “To present one programme (mainly liberal) and ask his vote on it, whilst holding another (truly socialist) behind its back is the act of political trickery this party is now indulging in. You do not find the objective of the party “the socialisation of the means of production, distribution and exchange,” because it is not there. It is purposely left out. To find it you must turn to the other programme; the one adopted by the party in Conference assembled and named the official platform. Now let us examine the two programmes side by side and in comparison.

No. 1. PUBLISHED MANIFESTO. “Closer land settlement.” Maintenance and extension of private ownership. “Full recognition of owner’s interest in all land, including ten- ■ ure, the right of sale, transfer and bequest.” (Platform 1927). Extension of State Advances Office. “National Health Insurance.” “Workers compensation as a national service.” “Repeal of compulsory military service and reoi’ganisation of defence system.” “Full support to League of Nations and outlawry of war.” Improved old age, widows, and other pensions. Full support and assistance to primary and secondary industries. Investigation of transport systems. Organisation of employment and unemployment insurance. Regulation of immigration in accord,with the demand for labour and land settlement. Restoration of wage and salary cuts. Maintenance of national school system with smaller classes and free requisites.

No. 2. OFFICIAL PLATFORMS. “Public ownership of land is the only ultimate remedy for the present chaos and muddle.” “State .farms to produce the peoples foodstuffs.” “That privately owned laud shall not be sold or transferred except to the State.” (Platform 1925). “Extension of State Advances Office to provide all credit necessary for primary production.” (Platform 1927). ‘lmmediate establishment of a State Bank with sole right of note issue and to the ultimate exclusion of private banking.” (Platform 1925). “Nationalisation of the medical service with free medical, dental and maternity attention.” (Platform 1927). “State ownership of all branches of insurance.” (Platform 1927). “Repeal of the Military Service Act and the Defence Act.” (on which whole defence system rests). “The extent of disarmament or defence to be determined by the circumstances prevailing when the party assumes office as the Government of the Dominion.” (A blank cheque). “The industrial and political unity of the workers of all countries for the purpose of superseding capitalism N by an industrial democracy and _of forming not a League of Nations, but a League of Peoples.” (Platform 1927). “Nationalisation of banking and the principal industries.” “State owned Shipping Service.” “State coal mines, factories, farms, industries.” “National control of the food supplies of the people.” “Wihere national ownership of an industry is affected, all labour for such industry and at least half the board of control shall be appointed by the union or unions affected.”

NOTE. —“The Manifesto leaves out the socialist objective. It also ignores the financial means necessary to effect the promises made. Neither platform endorses unity of the Empire, but No. 2 declares foi International socialism on a class basis, which is the negation of both National and Imperial Constitutionalism.” g BagaaM3B^BBBBHi- I '-” l -- 11in rnriliiiiii W'"Mlinini '