STILL HIGHER.

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

STILL HIGHER.

LIVING STANDARDS.

GOVERNMENT SETS GOAL. ORGANISATION OF EFFORT. The (.overmiient. in it* manifesto, declares its belief that an efficiently organised economy is one in which there is a scientific u-e of -human and natural resources, so as to promote the maximum amount of social welfare through the provision of a high minimum standard of living. This is li#ld to be incompatible with unemployment, poverty or insecurity. \ "Xew Zealand'* primary industries must continue to be of paramount importance to her national economy and should be developed to the fullest extent possible." the manifesto adds, "but a more balanced economy, involving the promotion and expansion of industrial activity is essential for the future wellbeing of the Dominion. "The Government will organise an internal economy so that local production and standard* of living can be maintained and progressively improved in spite of trade recessions overseas. Its policy of guaranteed incomes, of regulated marketing, of currency and credir control, of expansion of secondary industries; of maintenance of purchasing poorer and redistribution of income is directed towards this objective. So long as the necessary labour, a major portion of the requisite raw material, and the capital equipment arc available in Xew Zealand, there is no insuperable obstacle to the fullest possible untilisation of those resources irrespective of overseas conditions.

"The only limitation that should influence a Government in guaranteeing to everybody an income sufficient to enable them to enjoy those things that ara essential to a' full life, is the physical capacity of the country to produce the requisite goods mid services. The existing and potential wealth of this Dominion, measured in these terms, is amply sufficient to enable evervbodv enjoy a standard of living considerable higher than that which has so far l>een achieved. It will be the Government's aim to ensure that present standards are progressively lifted."