NATIONAL PARTY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 May 1938, Page 3

NATIONAL PARTY

(Continued from page 7.) of the depression averaged over £37,-. 000,000, compared with about £66,000,000 for last year, it can readily be seen how the difference came about. This Government has had the good fortune to be in office during the two years when our exports—both volume and value —have been greater than at any previous period. The Prime Minister would have us believe that he can even control overseas priceslit was the foundation laid by our early pioneers, and the sound, progressive course pursued by past Governments, that made our wealth possible, and not the present Government. In fact, it would not be difficult to prove that the present Government has done more to hinder, than help, increased production in this country.” SOME POLICY POINTS. In the concluding passages of his speech, Mr Hamilton said time did not then permit him to speak of the policy of the National Party at any length, but he wanted to state, in a. word or two, where it stood. . “When the full details of our policy are released,” he added, “they will be found to be progressive and sound, and based on proved principles that have built this country up to what it is today. “(1) We will govern in the interests of the people as a whole, and not for sections or classes.

“(2) We will co-operate and collaborate with Great Britain to the fullest extent. Britain is our best friend. “(3) We will encourage and protect private enterprise, and preserve the right to private ownership of homes and property. “(4) We will take a special interest in the small shopkeeper, the small farmer and the small trader. “(5) We will encourage and assist the subdivision of classified farm lands, to enable farmers’ sons, farm-workers and other qualified persons to obtain suitable farms. “(6) We will, see that our great manufacturing industries are encouraged. We understand their problems and we will help them to solve them. “(7) We will establish a new Ministry of Social Welfare which will be specially charged with the responsibility of co-operating with those splendid voluntary organisations, having for their objective the interests of women and children, and the social and economic welfare of the youth of the community. There are many organisations today doing magnificent work for the community, but they have no official contact with the Government, and the new Ministry will provide that long felt need.

“(8) We will cut out all extravagance in Government expenditure. We will extract the smallest amount of taxation necessary to carry out the functions of Govenment efficiently and economically, and we will abolish the Unemployment Tax on women. “(9) We will take such action as will assure to the farmer a just and comparative standard of reward, compared with other sections of the community. “(10) We will leave the question of hours and wages in industry to an entirely free, non-political and unfettered Arbitration Court. Compulsory Arbitration will be retained. Compulsory unionism will be wiped off the Statute Book. Pensions will not be cut. Civil service salaries will not be cut. “(11) We will see that homes are provided for the people. We will encourage building societies. We will give, people the fight to own their own homes. We will curtail restrictions on the right of access to people’s own property. “(12) We will provide more adequately for the defence of our country, and work in close co-operation with Great Britain. “What this country needs today is a proper sense of balance, and an appreciation of the heritage we enjoy. Let us move forward with care, prudence and foresight, for which our people have long since been famous.”