Farmers Ready for Political Action

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 102, 21 July 1927, Page 11

Farmers Ready for Political Action

PLATFORM OUTLINED COUNTRY PARTY LEAGUE CONSTITUTED a little over a month ago, the Farmers’ Country Party League is now ready for political action. After long and exhaustive deliberations the executive presents its platform to the public. In many respects it follows along the lines laid down by the Labour Party. Preferential voting, Bible-in-schools, a readjustment of the tariffs, and a reduction of the cost of living are some of the principal planks. Little drastic immediate change is suggested in the present land policy. Caution is urged until the economic position is adjusted. Some of the principal clauses are: —- That the bringing of all land under land transfer title be expedited. That the holding of any land in town or country for speculative purposes be discouraged. That, pending a readjustment of economic conditions, to allow for the resumption of settlement, genuine experiments on a satisfactory scale shall be tried out in the various districts to test the economic possibilities of land settlement under the group system. . That all unused Maori land required for settlement be bought by the State at valuation, and a Maori pensions fund instituted out of the proceeds to adequately recompense those concerned. That a vigorous land settlement policy be pursued as soon as a reduction of the existing high costs of production will permit. Immigration is attacked from* a conservative angle much on the lines laid down by the Labour Party. The platform stipulates that a vigorous policy be instituted only when the economic position warrants it. Then, only selected immigrants should be encouraged, and every v advantage should be taken of the Imperial land settlement esheme. AN EDUCATIONAL BOMBSHELL A bombshell is provided in the clauses dealing with education. The party endorses the inculcation of moral precepts in the teaching of children, and knows of no better source than the Bible. Other clauses provide for a revision of the present system with a view to ascertaining whether the people are benefiting commensurate with expenditure. Free secondary education is desired for all children fully capable of benefiting thereby. An extension of vocational training to the extent in which it can be adapted in the present curriculum is sought. SHIFTING BURDEN FROM FARMER Tariffs are attacked with a view to lowering the cost of living and removing the burden of unprofitable manufacturing concerns from the shoulders of the community. All Customs duties of a protective nature should be gradually reduced so as to cease altogether in ten years. Any assistance to industries should be in the form of subsidies. This practically sums up the attitude of the platform in regard to the present tariff system.

The party does not go wholeheartedly for free trade, however, and other clauses provide for an extension of trade within the Empire, and suggests that this country should lead the way in establishing reciprocal relations among the Dominions. Revenue is looked for from certain forms of luxuries when import duties are applicable. The method of utilising the railways as a protective measure is condemned.

The principle of income taxation of the individual is held to be the fairest method of taxation and, the platform states, should be developed. That the divided profits of firms and companies should, for income tax purposes, be included in individual taxation of all persons receiving the same, 'and the present company tax be repealed, is another leading plank. It is suggested that preference be given to investments in rural securities. One of the most Socialistic planks deals with the question of death duties and aims at restricting the possibilities of large inheritances. It reads: That death duties on inherited estates of over £25,000 should be increased on a sliding scale, with a view to rendering the continued inheritance of large estates from generation to generation less probable. PAYMENT BY RESULTS Greater economy in public expenditure is sought and an inquiry into the greatly increased number of public servants provided for. The principle of payment by results is recommended. Only public works which will increase production are supported, and the platform provides for strict economy in this direction. One of the principal clauses dealing with roading states that the main highways should be made and maintained out of national funds, and local rates should be devoted to feeder roads. The principal of preferential voting is upheld and this it is urged should be used in every instance where more than one issue is at stake. Particular reference is made to the present liquor referendum. In its financial section the platform urges the institution of a properly constituted agricultural bank in addition to the present State Advances Department. This, it is contended, will make available an adequate amount of money at the lowest rate of interest. Another clause deals with the Upper House which, it is stated, should be elected as laid down in the statute book.