A SOLDIERS' PLATFORM.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 169, 17 July 1919, Page 4

A SOLDIERS' PLATFORM.

We have not changed the opinion we expressed a few weeks ago about the proposal that the Returned Soldiers' Association should enter politics, but we may admit that if this move of questionable wisdom is made it should be accompanied by a progressive programme such as that drawn up by the Auckland executive. We still hold that the best 'hope of the country lies in the regeneration of the Liberal party and the adoption by it of a radical policy that will attract progressively minded men in all sections of the community. While Liberalism is waiting for a lead it- should study this proposed programme of the Auckland soldiers. Reform of the army system on democratic lines, reform of the present shockingly unbusinesslike system of allocating money for public works, land laws reform, more control over prices, revision of taxation, and a constructive policy towards industrial problems—these proposals arc among the aims that Liberalism must write on its banner if it wishes to live up to its long and distinguished record in New Zealand polities. Wei are considering the soldiers' programme as a whole, and our sympathy towards it need not be construed into approval of all its claiises. But we are particularly glad to see the proposals for army, public works

and land reform, and the sane, progressive attitude towards Labour problems. We need a really democratic army in New Zealand, one that, while it must conform to British methods in equipment and training so far as is necessary to give homogeneity in war, will get rid of irksome and unnecessary traditions developed in the aristocratic ' atmosphere of a professional army that •has its roots deep in the past. We need not enlarge here upon the need for change in public works policy, or for measures to stop land aggregation and open up lands for settlement. The point to be noted now is that the soldiers, who, whether they enter politics as an organised body or not, are going to be a power in the land, are awake to the necessity for these and other reforms. Liberals should see ,to it,that ,trie?r„part,y is not foresfariea-arid'dutbid by the Returned -Soldiers* Association.