WELFARE LEAGUE.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 June 1919, Page 6

WELFARE LEAGUE.

COMING CONFERENCE. POLITICAL PROGRAMME TO BE DISCUSSED. The following political platform for the forthcoming general election has been prepared for consideration at a conference of delegates representing the New Zealand Welfare League, which is to be held in Wellington on Wednesday, July 9 th:—

(I)—HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE. (a) A scheme under expert and competent control for the provision »y the State in association with local authorities of adequate hygienic housing accommodation at reasonable rentals, with Encouragement to tenants to acquire the freehold of their homes.

i (b) Greater attention through educaftion boards and school authorities to the [health and physical well-being, of children.

I (,c)i A complete reorganisation of the ! system of controlling public heath untder which the spheres of .activity, of the [central board and of local authorities I will he clearly defined; and the making of definite and adequate provision for [coping unexpected epidemics. ' (dj, Eree. maternity homes. (ej. State, nurseries; for- destitute, chil■dxisn*

($-—THE" REPATRIATION OF SOLDIERS.

And ttoeir Absorption into National Activities. fa)r Liberal* and careful. provision to give them a. fair start in life, with special care for the welfare of maimed and incapacitated soldiers. {h) A mora prompt administration of the existing provision for settling and .pecuniarily assisting soldiers to settle on the: land.

(3)— EDUCATION. ' (a) A complete reorganisation of the system of education in the direction of equipping children for everyday life with greater attention to qualifying them for technical and practical pursuits, and with increased encouragement by scholarships and bursaries for children who show aptitude for technical pursuits. (b) Greater co-ordination of the secondary schools and, university, colleges with the primary system of national education, and encouragement to adults engaged in active life to take advantage of the educational advantages of secondary schools and university colleges. (c) Increase of the salaries and betterment of the conditions of public school teachers.

(4)— EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE. (a) In view of the failure of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act to settle industrial disputes, an entire reconsideration of the method of settling S such disputes, with a view to their more expeditious settlement, with special consideraion to the adjustment of disputes, either by committees on the lines of the Whitley Commission, or by Industrial Parliament on the lines of Mr Sparkes's scheme.

(b) Laws which, while recognising the right of Labor to combine 'to further its interests,' will discourage strikes and "direct action," and impose effective limitations on the right to strike in all occupations involving great public conveniences, and to enforce the laws in this respect. (c) Provision for the representation of consumers on any body entrusted with the settlement of industrial disputes. 1 (e) As far as possible to abolish casual employment and the waste of efficiency thereby involved. (f) The amendment of the National Annuities Act by making provision for Government assistance to the pension funds of employers, public authorities, and bon&fide friendly societies.

(5) TO ENCOURAGE PRODtjfcTION.

(a) Greater interest by the Government in the development of the industries of the Dominion; by the careful revision from time to time of laws affecting commerce; by assistance through the High Commissioner in extending and making known markets for our products; and by the establishment of a Department of Commerce or a Government Bureau designed to facilitate trade and afford information to merchants and commercial men.

(b) Special encouragement of manufacturing industries which utilise our law materials and products.

(6)— LAND SETTLEMENT

(a)' The enforcement of the existing laws against aggregation by a\ small department entrusted with that dutylb) A re-organisation of the Land Department by providing competent experts in practical fanning and agriculture, and in the "making of country" in the departments controlling the 'purchase and subdivision for settlement. .. . - .* ■: .

(c) A vigorous prosecution of the policy of acquiring large estates for subdivision.

(d) Encouragement to small farmors to form incorporated combinations for the" purchase of land and'the making of advances by the State' to individual members guaranteed', by the combination. Careful investigation into the expediency of .establishing some system either by agricultural banks or through the State for providing reasonable financial advances to small farmers on the security of and in anticipation of thetf growing crops or products. (7)"tCOST OF LIVING. (a) The establishment, of a Board of Trade with more extensive powers whose' duty will be to watch the operations ot trusts, rings, and combinations, and conditions which tend to increase the cost of living, and in the case of articles of necessity to examine the books of traders whether wholesale or retail, and. advise the Government thereon for remedial purposes and the prompt publication of their investigations, the evidence taken by them, and their reports. (b) Constant and close attention to fuel, power, and transportation, with ample powers of investigation and control to secure that the public shall have efficient services at reasonable prices.

(B)—PUBLIC WORKS AND KOADS. (a) The completion of railways partly constructed so that they may be rendered profit-earning-

(b) The energetic completion oi hydroelectric power schemes. # (c) A more satisfactory scheme for the construction and maintenance of important main arterial roads.

(d) To promote the creation of larger local authorities for economical adminis.trutlww >ad tpyiyint the uadut iuh*

division under existing laws of the areas of local authorities.

(9) —PARLIAMENTARY.

(a) The abolition of the wasteful and 'inefficient system of triennial Parliaments and the substitution therefor of quinquennial Parliaments. (b) Larger constituencies, returning each several members by a system of preferential voting. (c) Reform of the Upper House on an elective basis.

(d) Provision for the admission to the Cabinet, or to office in the Government of men having special or expert knowledge in any particular subject for the time being dealt with, although not members of the House.

(10)-IMMIGRATION Encouragement of suitable immigrants by free or assisted passages.

(11) — OLD-AGE PENSIONS,

The repeal of the provisions providing for the reduction of pensions because of savings or earnings.

The league does not desire to influence its members in their views upon the: liquor question.