NEW POLITICAL PARTY.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 November 1917, Page 5

NEW POLITICAL PARTY.

PROPOSAL FOR FORMATION. The question of the formation of a new political party was discussed at a preliminary meeting held in Wellington the other evening, and a committee was set up to arrange for the holding of a public meeting in furtherance of the proposal. It was decided to call the organisation "The New Party," and a provisional constitution was adopted, including the following platform: Extension of educational facilities generally, including an extension of the compulsory school age; the provision of continuation classes, and tho encouragement of young people's organisations; recognition of the vital importanco of the study of science and its application to industry, and the'necessity of encouraging research; the building up of a first-class teaching staff; education to be regarded as the function of the State, rather than of individuals. Maintenance of the present Territorial system, efficiency not only in the combatant branch, but in the non-combatant as well. Encouragement of the opening of new markets, trade with the Empire and with the Allied nations to be fostered, as well as domestic industries. Trade combinations against the public interest to be heavily penalised; encouragement of co-partnership between employer and employed, and all forma of co-operation and profit-sharing; State and municipal trading to be encouraged and extended so long as this is done on sound business lines, free from political control... Universal State pensions, with right to increase these by means of contributions; improved housing conditions and the abolition of crowded areas; simplification of local government, with the abolition of unnecessary local bodies; freedom of education, defence and other public services from political control; encouragement of growth of population. Encouragement of small holdings, and improvement of conditions of life in the country; utilisation of the hydro-electric power; a progressive native land policy; no further sale of Crown lands. A larger proportion of revenue than at present to be derived from income tax, land tax, and death duties. Proportional representation, with single transferable vote. To return to Parliament candidates pledged to support these obiecte. ,