COUNTRY’S NEEDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 October 1922, Page 5

COUNTRY’S NEEDS.

POLICY OF REFORM PARTY. THE PREMIER’S MANIFESTO. DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Air Massey announces the policy and programme of the Reform Party in a manifesto issued this evening. Mr. Massey says the policy submitted to the country last election was generally approved by the electors and it had been consistently adhered to by the Government, and much of it had already taken shape. The financial obligations arising out of the war, together with the very serious drop in the value of our staple products, make it necessary that the first and most important plank in the policy of the Government should be a reduction in the national expenditure, with such retrenchment and economy as will enable us to live well within our income. Economy must not, however, be pushed to that point where it would interfere with the further development of our resources, which i«S so necessary if we are to increase exports, find employment for our people and bring more capital into the Dominion. Reductions have been made in taxation and the Premier hopes to afford further relief in this direction before long. The Government’s aim was to provide land for those able to use it successfully, thus relieving unemployment and increasing production, and to this end, where necessary, money will he advanced to help the small man who is ■ prepared to use it prudently and productively/ Under the heading “present day needs” the manifesto then sets out the policy of‘ the Government in 29 sections. Mr Massey 'begins with the need for a strong Government and goes on to cAreful and economic administration, continued and sympathetic treatment for returned soldiers, especially incapacitated and disabled men. Other sections are:— ACTIVITY PROMISED. Development of the Dominion by a vigorous public works policy, including the completion of railways now under construction. Improvement of main highways, with lorry services in the outlying districts, and an extension of hydro-electric works. Encouragement of a. self reliant policy. Profitable cultivation of waste lands. Increased shipping facilities. Encouragement of industries and a well thought out system of profit sharing. Up-to-date shipping and mail services. Development of trade with Australia and the Pacific Islands. Encouragement of preferential trade in the Empire. Continued assistance to local authorities, especially for housing the people. Maintenance of the present education system. State assistance. to maternity patients. Extension of the district nurses’ system in the backblocka. Consistent observance of the principle that every section of the community .should receive its fair share of the community’s earnings in proportion to the value of its services. Extension of the exemption from income, tax of heads of households in proportion to the number of children. Amendment of the military service system so that it will not interfere unnecessarily with industries. Arrangement with Great Britain for proper naval protection in the Pacific. Legislation against trusts and combines. Vigorous immigration policy. Maintenance of freehold policy. Roading scheme to provide good roads-. Extension of the telephone system in out districts. Planting of sand dunes. Encouragement of town planning schemes. Further postal facilities for country settlers by an extension of the -system of rural mail services. Provision to be made to ensure world wide wireless and telegraphic communication for New Zealand. LOYALTY TO BRITAIN. Encouragement of practical patriotism, love of country, appreciation of British citizenship, and pride in Britain’s record in peace and war. Determination to make New Zealand a model British community, to keep it progressive and prosperous, enlightened and self-reliant, self-respect-ing, industrious and independent and always ready to do its duty in maintaining the principles of British nationhood. The Premier refers to Mr. Lloyd George’s appeal for troops for Gallipoli. He details what was done by the Government and expresses gratification at the fact that over fourteen thousand men and women responded voluntarily to the call. Three parties are appealing to the electors. Between two of them there is little difference in principles, but the third is wedded to revolutionary principles and action which, if successful, would disintegrate the Empire and inaugurate Soviet rule and class legislation of the worst kind. Tf New Zealand is to ho made safe for democracy it must stand against anything in the way of revolutionary socialism. The people should unite in support of those who, by conduct and practical work have shown their loyalty to the Empire, and who are prepared to maintain principles of truth, justice and freedom, which provide the foundation of British. law.