POLITICAL.

Taihape Daily Times, 30 October 1918, Page 5

POLITICAL.

THE RANCtXTLKEI SEAT. I

To the Editor. I Sir, —In response to a number H communications -as to my attitude I returned to the New House. It is dia cult to predict the result of the Pol tical Shuffle” consequent on the gel oral election. .. At the .moment I cJ only reaffirm my opposition to tl policy of the National Governmerl The alliance of the two great partil has demonstrated the fallacy of “EiJ cutive Government’ ’ fortified and aril cd, as it has been with unprecedentJ authorities under the War Eegulatioi Act expressed in “ Orders in Council. It may, and no doubt will, strilj many that I have levelled, a scriou and heavy' indictment against the N tional Government. The merit of id

indictment lies in the fact that it I true. I shall —if elected —be four! supporting a Democratic and Progresl ivo Policy that will fearlessly, sanell and equitably do its duty to all seel ions of the community. I shall not alll myself to the extreme party as at prl sent constituted in the House, but to I Democratic and Progressive Parti with a Constructive Policy', and not Policy that is perpetually destructivi There is undoubtedly a strong publi opinion that will make itself articulat at the first opportunity along thes lines. If opportunity offers I shall suppor a party 1. That, as in the past, will continu to fight the Great War to the point o! an absolute surrender by the Germai

nation. 2. That will vigorously subdivide th< extensive areas of suitable lands (es pccially in Rangitikei) as the onlj panacea that will quickly restore oui National Financial Credit. 3. That will seriously grapple -with tho cost of living —free the Board oi Trade of political control —and more effectively check profiteering. 4. That will engage experts to thoroughly examine into our Taxing SystemsI—with 1 —with a view to removing anomalies, and particularly bring the Incidence of Taxation to hear more equitably upon the people, in proportion to their ability to pay. 5. That will vigorously repatriate oitr Returned men, and give particular attention to Dairy Land Settlement in

this connection. 6. That will assist the small farmer to purchase stock and especially ‘cow* stock at reasonable rates of interest. 7. That will give encouragement to the production of wheat —an important product of the Electorate —and supervise its sale through controlling agencies direct to- the bread manufacturer. 8. That will, grapple with Social Reform along the lines of the Hon. Russell ! s Bill of last Session. --9. That will 5 endeavour to foster Religious Accord instead, of Religious ■Discord and dissension. 10. That will endeavour to reduce "the- Wall of Obstruction that to-day exists between Capital and Labour, by Capital fairly meeting the demands of the Democracy'on a common ground, with a view to correcting and removing many of the difficulties presenting themselves on the political horizon of to-day.—I am, etc.,

C. H. B'URNETT, Wanganui, October 2Sth, 191 S.