MR. STATHAM'S PARTY.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 206, 30 August 1921, Page 7

MR. STATHAM'S PARTY.

ITS PLATFORM EXPOUNDED. ONLY ONE M.P. The expounding of the platform of the New Political party by its leader, Mr. C. E. Stafeham, M.P., drew an attendance of about 1000 to the Town Hall last night. Mr. M. .1. Coyle presided, and on the platform were 'Mrs. Statham, .Mr. K. Kellett, M.P., Dr. AveriLl, Mr. G. Foeter (ehainnan), and members of the local council. Air. Statham jn his opening remarks, said that the existence of the°party was justified 'by the necessity for etrong men I and women to guide the destinies of the Dominion at the present time. At no [time was there a more compelling call •for a party thai would represent the j middle-class of the people and forjn a virile opposition. The new party wae ' essentially a young New Zealand "party. j Young New Zealanders Who had . been jl)orn and bred in the Dominion were its driving force. It was true that only one other member of Parliament had joined the party, but it was not fal- ■ tended to canvass M.P.'s for support, ; that would have to come spontaneously. lAt the next elections it was intended to [have G5 candidates in the field, and the party then would win supporters in the House. There were men and women ; outside of Parliament capable and ! strong enough to form the opposition, lof which there was such a dire need. Mr, j Statham traced the growth of the party in its five months' infancy, and said he was convinced that it had come to etay land make itself a real force in the politics of the Dominion. WHERE REFORM IS NEEDED. Dealing with various reforms the ; party hoped to effect, Mr. Statham. I described the Legislative Council as an 1 extravagance. He realised that there jwas need of a revising chamber to oheck ; the legislation of the Lower Hoiree, but j the Legislative Chamber was composed of gentlemen most of wtiom had outj lived their usefulness in this respect. Hie idea was that it should be replaced by a committee of about fifteen experts. Legislation by regulations, which had * I statutory effect and rushed legislation, ! were also roundly condemned. Mit. Statham, in supporting the elective executive, pointed out that this too ! had been a plank in Mr. Ma-secy's platform until success started to come his way. Ten yeare in Parliament had convinced the speaker of the iniquity o-f the Prime o Minister picking his Cabinet.. It should be selected by Parliament, and he could wee no objection to the dominant party doing this, which was really what it resolved itself into". STATE BANK AND SUPERANNUATION. The State Bank commended itself to the new party. At the present time the State held a third share in the Bank of New Zealand, but it did not obtain anything like a third share in the profits. Criticising the 'balance-sheet, Ihe pointed out that large amounts Ivad been 6ot aside for reserve and redemption funds. If the Government took over the. Bank it would not lose a penny, as the taxation -which it received at present all came out of the profits. The Banks held £29,000,000 as free deposits and paid no interest on this enormous sura. The "'-Commonwealth Bank of Australia had proved a great success. The State Bank would be a great factor in assisting land settlement, railway and reading schemes, and encouraging secondary industries. One of the most important of the party planks was its superannuation scheme, by which it was proposed to insure a pension of £100 a year for every person ovt'r 60 years of age in six veare. The need for more co-operation in increasing production was evident, and this would help to alleviate the industrial unTest. In conclusion, he referred to the stress accentuated by the financial legislation ot the day, and assured hie audience that the party stood for unswerving loyalty to the British flag, and wanted to rescue the workers from the band of revolutionary socialists. These remarks were received with marks of noisy disapproval from a section of. the audience. COMPANY TAXATION. Proceeding, Mr. Statham discussed fche high rate of taxation, and in connection with company taxation said the Government was practically a half partner in profits without sharing losses. Hβ advocated taxation on individuals, a» email shareholders now suffered severely. He criticised the principle of compulsory loans, and referred to the huge increase in the departmental expenditure. This was partly accounted for by rieee in salaries, which were due, 'but that did not account for all. A Voice: M.P.'s salaries. Mr. Statham: A member of Parliament is well worth £ 500, and he earns ' every penny of it. ' The Voice: Not if he ie paid by results. (Laughter.) After answering numerous written questions, Mr. Statham was accorded a. J vote of thanks for his able and instructive address.