LABOUR'S PLANS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 226, 24 September 1938, Page 13

LABOUR'S PLANS.

SOCIAL SECURITY.

OBJECTIVES OF POLICY. '

BUILDIKO key industries.

"The objeative of the Government is to utilise to the maximum the wonderful resources of the Dominion," sav« the Labour manifesto. "This will be done: — • I lL lst ,l y : B - v maintaining and improvnig he living standards Avhieh have been experienced in the Dominion in the past three years as compared with the deputation of the previous three years. ".Secondly: By organising an internal economy, which will distribute the production and services in a way which will vuaraiitco to every person, able and ». ling to work, an income sufficient to piOMtlo hiin and hi.s dependents wit'i everything necessary for a -home' and home life.'

lliiidly: By continuing the progressive legislation and administration winch have l>cen successfully carried on bv the Government since it took office on December ti. 10.

Social security is placed first in the pi ogiamine for the next three year.-. Speciul provision U stated to have, been made to safeguard and encourage fi icndly societies and to accept their •"•►-operation in the administration of benefits. Also must careful •safeguards have been enacted to protect the professional status of doctors, nurses and chemists, and particularly to ensure that the intimate confidence between doctor and patient is not disturbed. "Covered from Birth." "Every citizen from birth is covered by the health benefits and assured of a free choice of doctor,, nurse and hospital," the manifesto continues. "Tinother benefits under the Social Security Act are designed to enable everv citizen to insure himself, his wife and'children against the financial loss which aln>o-?t inevitably follows from premature death, sickness, unemployment, old and other misfortunes from which uo one is immune. For the first time there is t<* be universal superannuation, provision for childless widow* and all orphans, and sickness benefits."

It is claimed that the Social Security Act will remove "that paralysing fear of want and distress" which has never been far from the mind of the average responsible citizen, and the maternity beuefits will take away a burden of cost which lias oppressed many homes. security established will be founded on "the strongest institution of the nation—the wealth of the whole community." Pride in the existing health service is reflected in the statement that "in the past three years the Labour Government has established records in public welfare, both in the extension of services and in the maintenance and extension of buildings." The foundations for a healthier Xew Zealand are stated to have been laid. A comprehensive educational policy is announced, "with the fullest opportunities from kindergarten to university." Housing a "Huge Task." > Housing construction to meet the existing shortage is described as a "huge task." The aim will be a high standard of comfort to develop healthy and happy homes. Rural as well as urban areas will be included in the housing schemes. State control of currency and credit is revealed as the key to the financing of the Government's policy, and an assurance is given that State advances will be made available on favourable terras in both town and country, and for primary and secondary industry. "If New Zealand provides its own basic need's we shall be in a better position to withstand the effects of any cver«en« crisis which may occur," says the manifesto in referring to the importance of establishing basic industries, of which the manufacture ef iron and steel ia placed first. Intensified development of scientific and industrial research is promised.