LABOUR POLICY.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20280, 24 August 1937, Page 8

LABOUR POLICY.

80CIAL CREDIT CRITICISM. UNFULFILLED PROMISES. “That this meeting of Hamilton citizens expresses its serious concern at the present heavy burden of taxation which it considers to be contrary to the policy of the Government as expressed during the election campaign, and unnecessary in view of the Government’s election promises to utilise fully the public r edit; and further that it Is of the u. nion that the infringements on freedom of speech—more especially in the matter of radio policy—call for condemnation; and that recent legislation which forbids the individual citizen the right of appeal to the courts of justice is inconsistent with the principles of British democracy,” was the principal resolution carried at a meeting of Hamilton citizens in Toorak Chambers last evening. The meeting, which was held under the auspices of the Hamilton District Council of the Douglas Social Credit Movement had been convened by Mr E. M. Masters, of Hillcrest. Mr J. H. Penniket, president of the council, presided.

Mr Masters said the movement was a non-party organisation which stood for certain principles and he had felt impelled to call the meeting to discuss recent political developments in the light of those principles for which the movement stood. The Government had begun well by assuming control of the Reserve Bank as the source of the country's financial credit. He was, however, somewhat disturbed at more recent actions by the Government, particularly in the matter of taxation and the B class radio stations. Liberty Infringed. Mr Penniket said the basic philosophy of Social Credit teaching was the liberty of the individual, yet broadcasts from certain radio stations by well-established organisations had been arbitrarily discontinued. Reduced taxation and the greater use of the public credit were also cardinal principles of the yet while new credits had iTcen issued for housing, taxation had been increased. Mr J. E. Tidd considered that industry could not long continue to carry the present heavy burden of taxation. He hoped for a better Budget next month.

Mr G. L. Hunter was of tho opinion that much more might have been done by a greater use of the powers of the Reserve Bank.

Other members present drew attention to the dangerous precedents which were being created by legislation which forbade any appeal to the courts by those affected, and under which the ministers concerned were the sole arbiters.

It was generally agreed that the next Budget would determine the attitude of most members of the movement towards tjie Labour Government.