National Government 'is on target'

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 4, 26 June 1984, Page 12

National Government 'is on target'

The Labour candidate, in the Bulletin of the 6 June 1984 wrote a long letter on the things a Labour Government would do. Most of what he is talking about is already happening. Jim Simons and David Lange talk about consensus policies and consultation. David Lange and Party President, Jim Anderton, don't even consult and have no consensus on major economic policy. The Labour Party under Bill Rowling and David Lange has been unable to reach a consensus on policies within the Labour Party Caucus, hence the infighting and the disillusioned former Labour members who are now standing as independents. The National Party is happy to stand on its record of responsible Government. National promoted development large and small, but this was opposed by Labour. National provided realistic support for farming, . through SMP's, and this was opposed by Labour. The current nationwide programme of promoting and supporting small businesses, with a seminar being held in Te Kuiti on Sunday 23 June, receiving no support from Labour. The Karioi pulp mill was in difficulties a couple of years back and the Government offered substantial financial support to maintain its operation and this was opposed by Labour. It now is in the process of increasing output by 50 percent with a consequent increase in jobs. The electrification of the main trunk line was questioned by Labour and they strongly opposed the modernisation of railways through the establishment of an independent Railways Corporation. Already that is bringing improved efficiency and greater service to consumers. Air New Zealand, which was violently criticised by the Labour Party is now back making substantial

profits. I am sure the Railways Corporation will enjoy similar success in the next few years. The list of negative Labour Party actions could go on. The positive news is that the Government, through the major Producer Boards and various private companies has been successful in adcling value to New Zealand's exports by, for example, developing 2,000 end products for. milk. Tourism is a big New Zealand and King Country industry and that is why the present Minister of Tourism has been so active in promoting New Zealand tourism at home and abroad. The recent Tourism Council report is an important contribution to the development of policy and has already been welcomed by the Government as such. What the Labour Party has yet to learn is that in the hard commercial world of exports, market diversification, or industry promotion within New Zealand, gimmicks don't work. In the 70's Colin Moyle was going to solve export difficulties by promoting the sale of 'egg nogs'. Today the same simplistic nonsense is being promoted by Mike Moore who seeks to solve export difficulties by the promotion of 'fruit chutney'. The National Party's record is sound. Exports are growing remarkably,' with manufacturers up over 28 percent in the last 6 months. This growth has led to a reduction in unemployment of 25 percent in the 4 months since January 1984. The National Government is on target to reach its employment^goal of a job for all who are able and willing to work.

J.B

. Bolger

National Candidate and Sitting Member for King Country