Bolger, Falloon, visit Waimarino

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 19, 7 October 1986, Page 2

Bolger, Falloon, visit Waimarino

Over 80 people turned up at the Ohakune Club last Monday to hear addresses by Leader of the Opposition, Jim Bolger, and by opposition agriculture spokesman, John Falloon. Mr Bolger delivered a wide-ranging address and touched on areas includig exchange rates and the farming sector. His speech centred around the issue of the industrial relations package released recently by the Labour Pary, and the National Party's commitment to ANZUS. Mr Falloon attacked the Labour Government's policies and spoke about Labour's part in destroying the rural and provincial community. "The Labour Party is unnecessarily using the agricultural sector as an expendable battalion. and as a consequence the industry is dying as the fertiliser drains out of the soil," he said. Mr Falloon went on to talk about the falling price of fertiliser and the farreaching consequences of this fall. He told the gathering that a time was needed for adjustment otherwise rural depopulation and lack of confidence would destroy those who were innovators.

Mr Falloon made several suggestions as to how exports could be made more competitive, including a new industrial relations policy and an updated assessment of exchange rates, as well as tighter controls on public sector employment to prevent the state sector from expanding. Mr Falloon concluded his address by affirming the National Party's firm commitment to future prosperity in rural and provincial areas. " A dynamic farm sector is a vital component of New Zealand's economy," he said.