LEGION'S CASE

Evening Post, Issue 19, 23 July 1934, Page 10

LEGION'S CASE

NON-PARTY SYSTEM

PLACED BEFORE PARTY LEADERS .

TO EE CONSIDERED

Immediately after the recent conference .convened by tho New Zealand Legion, the president (Dr. E. Campbell Bcgg) and tho vice-president (Mr. L. Nelson) conveyed' separately to .the thrco party leaders—tho lit. Hon. G. W. Forbes, tho Et. Hon. j. G. Coates, and Mr. M. J. Savage—tho following resolution passed by the conference:— "Resolved that representations be made to the existing parties in the House with a view to tho formation of a Unity Government, with the establishment of an economic council and a shire system of local government and tho introduction of preferential voting."

Tn presenting the resolution, the reasons supporting this action were given as follows:— .. --. . • .-.

1. Party methods of Government are not in. the best interests of the people, a large section of whom ai;e represented by the Labour Party and Independent members, who have no effective voice in framing the measures to be brought before the House, and in the event of the Labour Government being in power similar coriditious would obtain in regard to Independents and the other parties at present in. power. 2. In order to institute a democratic method of non-party government it is necessary:— . " • -. :

(a) To relieve Parliament of the epusideration of a mass of local business better dealt with by the formation of a shire system throughout the country along the lines' which have been published by the Legion. This system would also form the basis of local government reform, which is urgently necessary. (b) To remove the first consideration of economic questions that form the chief ground of opposition between the opposing parties in the House from the House itself, and refer tliem for consideration to an oconomie council elected on a vocational basis in such a way as to be representative of the various economic units in the country, including the employed and employing classes. Only ; after these economic questions have been considered and reported on.by such a council should they be presented to Parliament for final consideration and adoption;- By this method Parliament retains its supreme , functions, the Economic Council being advisory to it. It is maintained that by this means the need for setting up numerous commissions, industrial councils, and similar bodies could be avoided. '. .

, By setting up the machinery indicated the, amount of business dealt with by the Houses of Parliament would be rb; duced, the logical sequence being a reduction in the number of members and cost of Parliament, enabling its work to bo carried out with loss-delay and more cfiieiencv. ■■■-..■•

3. Wo fully believe that if the proposals suggested were put into effect the need for party government would cease and a Unity Government representative of all .interests, a National Government chosen from all ; sides of the House, could function effectively. /'While the conference considered that a unity or national government is de-j sirahlor immediately it recognised :the: difficulties involved unless and until these recommendations were carried OUt. '. ■ .-■'"■■■ ■■.-.;■ .:..'.

Speaking further to the question, the Legion representatives said:— ■_?, : : ;

"Our mission as-representing thoeonferfirico and tho Legion organisation is" to ask if,, you, as. representative of an important- section of tho House, are willing to solicit the co-operation of the other leaders in taking action■■•■along these lines. No -doubt "the principles in-: volvpd have already received your full consideration. The recommendations made can claim to represent the views of a considerable body of : opinion throughout the country,. and the arguments in support of them have .received full publicity. . ' ■'■■ Nodoubt' you agree' with the viewpoint of our organisation, and'there is no happy solution to the country Js difficulties by class warfare whether it be between rural and urban interests or tho employed and employing classes. The only way in which the interests-of all can be protected is by agreement between these apparently opposed interests. The view that because the party alignments.aro' based on irreconcilable economic elements, and must therefore' continue is to our-way of thinking an entirely erroneous one. : '•:.

Tho Labour Party-has' Supported the formation of industrial councils in which employees and employers may meet together to come to decisions for the benefit of each. The other parties which have been in power have promoted representative commissions dealing with such subjects as unemployment on a similar basis. . . " (

We are-well aware that, if you agree to recommend tho adoption of these proposals to your party it may mean some sacrifice of the personal interests of members .of all parties, but we believe this sacrifice would bo willingly made in the interests' of.the people, many of whom are suffering greatly as youknow as the result of present economic conditions. We are convinced that a mere change of the party in power working under the present party system, would afford no solution to the serious problems, that face the country, and must give serious thought to those concerned with the. : preservation of democracy and the maintenance of the economic and political rights of all the people of New Zealand.; i

. Whatever may be done following an election to give effect to the proposals for setting up of a non.-party system of Government tho leaders of the parties and all the members of the House of Representatives are, alone able to take action now and wo believe' that such action would meet the wishes of the vast majority, in tho country. . Tho view of the conference was that the matter was urgent, and we trust we shall be able to return a favourable reply. . . '■■•■ : -

In conclusion it was stated that tho Legion considered tho action proposed would be the most effective means of immediately restoring confidekco and bringing renewed hope to the people of New Zealand. • ' ...

Each of the leaders in reply agreed to give earnest consideration^ to the representations and to bring the' matter immediately before the members of his party. : , : ■ . •■-■■■