If Labour Rules

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 510, 13 November 1928, Page 17

If Labour Rules

MR. HOLLAND’S MESSAGE

Appeal to Electors of Dominion

Press Association

WELLINGTON, To-day. THE question to be determined by the electors at the polls to-morrow is whether the Labour Party shall continue its natural progress and become the Government of the country, or whether the present Cabinet led by Mr. Coates shall continue to control the affairs of the Dominion.

This is the theme of the message to electors issued by Mr. H. E. Holland, Leader of the Opposition: “The failure of the Government to organise closer land-settlement, the increase in interest rates, and the holding up of loans from the State Advances Office, restrictions placed on the Public Trust Office and Post Office Savings Bamt,” says the message, “have all tended to extend the power of private financial Institutions, with the consequence that there i* a drift from land occupations, HniTii" 1 by deteriorated lands, and sa increased area In fern, scrub and second growth. “The smashing of dairy control, the enormous increase in the mortgage debt, together with unprecedented unemployment, is menacing the progress and development of the Dominion. “I have just completed an extensive tour of the Dominion, and in both rural and city constituencies the policy of Labour has been warmly approved and applauded. All available evidence proves that the Government has lost the confidence of the people. The only alternative is that of a Government formed from members of the party which I have the honour and privilege to lead. “If called upon to form a Government. the Labour Party will, during, its first Parliament, legislate in accord with the election policy which has been placed before the electors by Labour The principal sections of policy are: (1) Closer land settlement. (21 Extension of State Advances Office. (31 Removal of deposit restrictions from Public Trust and Post Office Savings Bank. (4) National Health insurance. (51 Improved old-age, widows, and other pensions. (61 Workers’ compensation as a national service. (7) Full support and assistance to primary and secondary industries. (81 Investigation of transport systems (air, road and water),

(9) Organisation of employment and unemployment insurance. (10) Regulation of immigration in accord with the demand for labour and land settlement. (11) Restoration of wage and salary cuts. (12) Maintenance of the national school system, with smaller classes and free requisites. (13) Repeal of compulsory military service and reorganisation of the defence system. (14) Full support to the League of Nations and outlawry of war. “The Labour JParty has consistently and courageously fought the forces of reaction and for the cause of Democracy and a freer and fuller life for all. The Labour Party*has now completed 10 years in Oppositon to the Government. After the 1925 election it became the official Opposition. On every occasion Labour members in Parliament have fought consistently against the reactionary' proposals of the Government. “Given the privilege and honour of forming the Government, the Labour Party' will draft its laws and administer the affairs of the Dominion in the interest of all citizens who render useful service. “I ask all electors who believe in Democracy, good government, equal opportunity and progress towards a system of co-operation and service, to Jielp and vote for Labour candidates to-morrow.”