FARMERS’ POLITICAL POLICY.

Otaki Mail, Volume 27, 29 October 1919, Page 3

FARMERS’ POLITICAL POLICY.

The hiniiawafu Sub-Provincial Executive of the N.Z. Farmers ’ Union has adopted the following political policy:— Land. To insure prosperous settlement of by— . (1) Entire revision of classification and valuation, based upon capability and, as far as possible, fixing -standard values. (2) Restriction of purely speculative ‘ dealings by (a)-.limitation ot area according - with above standards when fixed, (b) by compulsion 'to improve when not. fully improved, and farm to best advantage, in certain cases, or resign to the State, with, say, five years’ notice in special cases, such as trusteeships, etc.; (c) by limitation, rc- ■ fusal, or annulment of transfer in cases of irregularity or repeated applications in respect of one person or property. (3) Preventing harmful aggregation and inflation of values, by the above and other means, such as in- - creased graduated tax. ' (4) More efficient means of settle- < mont (not sale) of State endow- | I luent and Native lands, by simpler ■ ' and uniform procedure, secure ; tenure (subject as above), and >

iijiauwui r ~— (5) AlFNativc lands to pay full rates as a first, charge-, with “right of entry’' to local bodies to-recover (ii) Forestry and free supply of trees, and exemption from rates and high taxation of planted areas. (7) Improved finance.

Finance. Better facilities for and ample provision of by—(1) Extending and enlivening the functions of the State Advances Office, tho P.O. Savings Bank. (2) Establishment of land banks. (3) Improvement of banking system generally sn American lines, snett as by effective and independent official control with a view to stabilise values, also stabilise industry and production —this alternative to, not opposed to, State bank. Industry and Production. ' Support and encouragement of these

by— 7 (1) Securing to all brain and hand workers as far as is possible a fair and proportionate recompense for service (mutual or national) or profits jointly obtained; and such conditions as will encourage ability, thrift, skill, diligence, enlightenment, contentment and co-opera-tion. (2) By a full return to the producer for his labours whether of office, mine, factory or farm, on a basis of “results” and profit-sharing , and profit tax. j

(3) (a) Extended medical advice ami | care; (b) reasonable leisure and | opportunity of continuous and progressive education and human intercourse, particularly to rural workers and their families; (cl reading and recreation rooms and improved and cheaper telephone communication in rural districts. (4) By fostering Dominion manufacture and the sale of such as leather and leather goods, woollen goods and clothing, implements, machinery, etc., by co-operative action. (5) By eo-opeiative handling and sale in the best market of the whole Dominion output of wool, meat, cheese, butter, leather, etc. (0) By the creation of power to compel settlement of labour disputes, and restrain greed, tyranny, or disorder.

(7) By 5 better means to con him stabilise values. (See Finance.) Works, Shipping, and Supplies. (1) Placing and maintaining these under co-operative or national control (not necessarily ownership), te ensure protection for industry and production. (2) Preventing exploitation or unfair and unearned profits, “watering.” “inflation,” “bearing,” etc. (3) Protecting, especially from the operations of purely proflt-sceking ‘trusts, ” commercial syndicates, or “rings” in production, transport, or marketing, and the defence of these latter from, hostile foreign action or intrigue, and immediate representations to the Empire Government and British people re j the latter. (N.B.— “Works” are meant to include meat freezing, I woollen and leather goods factories, hydro-electric installations, coal mines, live stock sale yards, and • such other enterprises as are directly . connected with produc-

tion.) Education. (1) Ensuring a minimum standard to every child. (2) Provision of State boarding schools at centres for children from localities or conditions where emcient education cannot be provided. (3) Better provision (and loan) of appliances and facilities “household 55 or “aided 55 schools, j and increased grants to all country I schools toward vocational training, j (4) Whilst 1 aiming at the highest and best attainable the primary and the j practical to take precedence of the-' academic", in financial and other j provision. (а) Class books uniform and modern and issued by the State free; .students 5 and workmen's text, technical, and reference books to be provided by the State at a minimum cost. (б) Provision of and for adult classes i and training, with greater attention to economies, ethics, and eitizenship. and to include the voca- j ■ tional and useful, and the actual practice of trades, especially those

concerned iri home-making an I town-planning. Political Action. i To promote this policy by l — Wherever practicable supportinj actively a farmer candidate fo Parliament, by means of meetings advertisements, leaflets, etc. (tl) By submitting this policy to j gather with questions having t practical application to every mem ! ber of Parliament, and all candi ! dates at Parliamentary'!elections. | (:!}' Preferential or proportional vot ; ing at elections, and enlarged conj stituencies returning two or more - members. (1) Reform or abolition of the party system of government under a revised constitution. (5) Aiming generally and resolutely at the inculcation of worthy ideals, a high national spirit, and sympathetic fellowship among all our people, and so aiding each other to the highest and utmost enlightenment, prosperity, liberty and happiness and service Citizen to Nation, Nation to Umpire, Empire to Manhind, Mankind to God. EVELYN MACDONALD, For Committee Mauuwatu Sub-Prov. Executive 1-YU. October do, 1019. 'flic above policy will be submitted to the various branches, and later will be submitted to the Dominion Conicreucc of the Union.