RULE OF LAW

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 268, 23 August 1945, Page 6

RULE OF LAW

SHEET ANCHOR OF DEMOCRACY. PHILOSOPHY OF NATIONAL PARTY. ' (Sp.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Speaking of the philosophy and principles of the National Party, in an address at the conference of the Party to-day, Mr W. J. Sim, K.C., president, said New Zealand in its post-war years would be given a new opportunity to build a party through which all shades of progressive political and social thought might find expression, and in which it was hoped the sectionalism which had disfigured and divided New Zealand in recent years might tend to disappear. “As the sheet anchor to Democracy,” he said, “we place absolute emphasis upon obedience by the subject to the rule of law, and its enforcement by the executivce. The law of the land is there to be enforced without fear or favour regardless of the wrongdoer. The decision to put the machinery of enforcement into operation should be as automatic as the decision of the courts themselves in enforcing the law. This can be the only sure guide through times of stress and crisis. When the law and its enforcement has been vindicated, there is provision for clemency in the remission of penalties, but that is a different matter.” In a rapidly changing world, and one in which the domestic economy of nations became increasingly interlocked in a co-operative whole, it was inadvisable to affirm too rigidly to-day what course was to be followed in—say—--12 months time, said the speaker. It might be affirmed, however, that the emphatic policy of the party was and always would be progressive aud for-ward-looking, and one not wedded to any particular theory or political obsession. They offered no fixed blueprint of the future. Primarily they sought to build every New Zealander and encourage him with new hope to contribute his best to the welfare of New Zealand, believing that if every New Zealander was encouraged to cultivate and give the best that was in him, a social organism would result wherein political growth was inevitable according to the wisdom of a British people. Future of Taxation. “With regard to taxation, we consider that it is now as imperative to reduce taxation in the interests of the whole community, and to further without delay the prosperity of peace, as it was imperative to impose it in time of wav. This can be done, we consider, in a reasonable measure without delay. Another practical step which I feel confident this conference will endorse is that housewives should forego the joys of internal marketing operations, and in their place receive delivered at their doors abundant supplies of New Zealand’s products, and at prices which will fit the family purse. “The housing question should be attacked with all the energy and means of private enterprise and facilitated in every way Uy the State. The commercial world is entitled to have a comprehensive review of the operations of the Industrial Efficiency Act, and insofar as it promotes inefficiency or retards expansion its powers are due to be curtailed. Our object must be prompt decontrol, consistent with State co-operation when private enterprise requires and asli3 l'Qr such cooperation to render its necessary service to the community.” International Matters. “In international matters,” he concluded, “we should endeavour to lead New Zealand in playing a worthy part in the maintenance of peace, but remembering always that we are a mem her of the British Empire <?r Commonwealth of Nations, the unity of which is still a paramount necessity in world affairs. In trade matters with England we give first place to the consideration that she is still our best cus toiner.”