FARM PRODUCTION

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 204, 28 August 1943, Page 7

FARM PRODUCTION

ENCOURAGE INDUSTRY

NO INTERNAL MARKETING

"The National party's first plank in primary production is producer control of production and marketing in co-operation with the Government," states the party's election manifesto.

"Others are: Guaranteed minimum prices for farm produce, with ceiling prices determined by producers themselves; maintaining reserves to remove taxation injustices; overhaul of hospital rating; rural housing on modern lines; scientific and financial assistance in establishing new primary industries; overseas trade commissioners to promote sales; afforestation for timber production, soil conservation and erosion prevention; pay and conditions of farm workers to be steadily improved to make them comparable with those of other employment; the same rules of price and cost stabilisation as apply in other industries.

"As the principal means of absorbing our manpower, manufacturing must be fully supported and encouraged, as New Zealand workmen have shown themselves adaptable and capable of producing a wide variety of quality goods. Full protection against low-living standard countries is pledged."

Other planks in the party's platform are:—

"Preference for New Zealand-made goods; natural resources to be developed; bureau of scientific co-opera-tion; special encouragement in establishing industries using New Zealand materials; freedom from State interference; maintenance reserves to remove taxation injustices; development of forest resources and allied industries; special concessions in establishing new industries in smaller centres; small manufacturer to be protected from oppressive monopolies. Land Settlement "The guiding principle of the objective of an increasingly large population of prosperous, independent and self-reliant farmers must be settlement at the productive value and no more. Basic rules to be applied are:—Settlers without experience to be trained in practical farming; supervision of settlers by local advisory committees of practical farmers; freehold or leasehold after settlers prove their suitability over a trial period; employment of group system as far. as possible, areas developed by the settlers to be ballotted for by these men as farms become available; any costs of development above the productive value to be a charge on the community as a whole.

"The party also promise stabilised land values at prices based on productive values; wherever possible, experienced supervisors to superintend and assist settlers; acquisition and subdivision of large holdings of good land; roads, electric power, transport, education and health services before settlers are in possession; strict control over the sale of development land, with precautions taken to protect State-aided settlers from becoming committed to unwarranted debts. Profit-sharing In Industry "The system of licenses denies to the servicemen who have fought for our freedom the right to start in business on their own account. Competitive free enterprise will be restored, liberty of the subject reinstated and bureaucratic dictation will cease. The Industrial Efficiency Act will be completely overhauled."

The following are also sought:—

"Profit-sharing and schemes of copartnership, payment by results, cooperation and other systems to increase efficiency and workers' pay to be promoted and encouraged; establishment of an industrial harmony bureau; re-introduction of compulsory arbitration; workers' compensation laws to be brought up to date; compulsory or voluntary unionism to be decided by secret ballots of workers; compulsory levies on union members for party political purposes to be unlawful; worker-employer cooperation in industrial direction to be encouraged; paid holidays for workers; preference for unionists.

Help for Mothers and Youth

"The expansion of social services to aid the nation's mothers is promised, and the causes resulting in small families must be removed as far as possible.

"The party also guarantees that there will be some home help training centres; a corps of trained home helpers; special assistance during sickness, holidays and confinement; work-saving appliances to be 'ree of duty, surtax, etc; cheap electricity for the home and special aid in reticulating remote districts; improved telephone, educational, travel and mail services; cheap train services to towns; extension of kindergartens and creches; further assistance to the Plunket Society to help the child more adequately from its birth to school age.

"The party's promises for the Maoris are the settlement of outstanding claims by the native race, to strengthen the relationship between Maori and pakeha; equality of opportunity; Maori lands to be developed; housing for Maori people, suited to their needs; a Maori 'Flock House' for farm training; a major part to Maori servicemen in their own rehabilitation; arts and crafts to be preserved and cultivated." Inquiry Into Liquor Trade A Royal Commission, presided over by a Supreme Court judge, into the liquor trade, is promised, legislative action to follow the people's approval of the commission's findings.

A PAPER WITH A MESSAGE

The fourth issue of Freedom, the paper with a message for every intelligent New Zealander, throws light on the conditions prevailing to-day in the Civil Service. Speaking generally, the Civil Service is the worst paid section of the community. To-day it is restless and dissatisfied because of the anomalies and injustices under which it is labouring. Promotion is blocxed for thousands of workers, while inequitable taxation, arising from paying into both Superannuation and Social Security Funds, is a cause of deep resentment. For a well-informed survey of the whole position, read "The Restless Civil Servant," in the August issue of Freedom.

Freedom sells at 3d at bookstalls. Featured In It are well-informed and pungent editorials, vigorous and interesting articles, and special sections dealing with radio, books, sport and films. Make a note of Freedom as "required reading." — (Ad.)