NATIONAL PARTY

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22318, 4 February 1938, Page 12

NATIONAL PARTY

Twelve Points Of Policy STATEMENT BY MR HAMILTON Strong Opposition To Socialism ITHE PRESS Special Service. I TAIHAPE, February 3. Twelve important points in the National Party's policy were defined by the Leader of the Opposition (the Hon. Adam Hamilton) in an address at Taihape this evening. MiHamilton said that these points were only preliminary, but they embodied some of the main principles the party considered should be followed in the governing of New Zealand. "We strenuously oppose Socialism and the accompanying regimentation of our people," Mr Hamilton said. "We also oppose monopolistic ownership and control oi industry and trade by the State." The first point outlined by Mr Hamilton dealt with Empire reciprocity. The National Party, he said, stood for the cloczst possible coooeration with Great Britain, who would always be the Dominion's best customer with interests inseparable from those of New Zealand. "We stand for private enterprise and for the freehold ownership of land," he added, "and will encourage by every means in our power thrift, enterprise, initiative, and industry among the people. We stand for the small trader, the small farmer, and the small shopkeeper, and their right to economic freedom."

± J rimary production'was the foundation industry of New Zealand and was entitled to a standard of reward comparable with other industries. As the farmer 1 boured under an economic disadvantage in that he had to accept world market prices for his produce, but had to meet internal costs, the party would give effect to such measures as will ensure that: (a) Farmers were able t nay competitive rates of wages; (b)* were assured of reasonable mon capital invested in fai nr. and stock; (c) increased cost imposed by legislation, including tariffs, could be met; (d) they were ensured a remuneration commensurate with the service they rendered, comparable with that obtained by other members of the community who rendered equal service. This would be accomplished by n lowering of costs, or by a compensatory payment for farm produce, or a combination of both. The party would restore to the farmer the right to manage his own affairs, including the marketing of his own produce. '

Help for Industry

In industry, the party would bring about the closest co-operalion between the Government and the manufacturer. All industries of a sound economic value to the country would be afforded reasonable assistance and encouragement. Prospective new industries capable of giving employment to the people would receive a special encouragement from the State during the period of establishment, provided that investigation proved that such industries could be established on a sound, economic basis. Discussing land settlement, Mr Hamilton said that the National Party believed that New Zealand's interest would be best served by a large rural population settled on areas suitable for the particular class of farming. To ♦bis end, a vigorous policy of closer settlement and further subdivision of classified areas would be followed. The party would also adjust various costs qnd give financial assistance to bring about voluntary subdivision in order ♦o provide farms for farmers sons, rural workers, and other suitable applicants. - "We stand for the maintenance of conditions in industry that will secure for wage-earners the fullest employment at the highest wage rate that industry can afford, and also to preserve the purchasing power of wages in relation to the cost of living,' he continued "We believe that the powers granted to the Arbitration Court to award wage rates and conditions of employment should be free from political interference. We stand for tbe impartial enforcement of the Courts awards and decisions on both parties We will undertake a complete over haul of the existing law governing th«> employment of our youth population co as to ensure their absorption into remunerative occupations on leavms schooL" _ • The Defence Policv /

The seventh point of policy dealt J with defence The party approved o* the ideals of the League of Nations,! iVIr Hamilton remarked, but it re- \ garded a strongly-defended British Empire as the greatest factor for] world peace and it undertook to sec that New Zealand maintained an efficient system of national defencr and co-operated fully with the rest of the British Empire. Outlining the transport policy fav oured by the party, he said that an efficient and modern railway servicf was an essential part of the national transport system. The community would be best served by the maintenance of a properly regulated and privately owned road transport service, complementary to that provided by the railways. In framing regulations governing or controlling transport licences, the first consideration would be service to the community. Thp party pledged itself to the removal of all dictatorial powers conferred on th<* Minister for Transport by the present law, and the provision of an essential prerogative of the people, for the right to appeal to the Courts instead of to the Minister as at present. "We believe it is essential to the efficient administration of justice: that our Courts, including the Couit of Arbitration, should be administered with complete freedom from political dictation or interfference,' Mr Hamilton added, "and that the decisions of our Courts should have behmd them ?he full force of the law to ensure their decisions being faithfully observed by all parties"

Currency and Taxation

Currency and credit and other central bank functions should be controlled by the Reserve Bank, which, though always subject to Parliament, should be under national management separated from either politics or commercial profit. The party bejfevea that the smallest amount of taxation possible should be collected, consistent with the efficient carrying on of the proper functions of democratic government. The best means of encouraging industry and enterprise, and of increasing permanent and useful employment among the

people, was to leave as much spending power as possible in the hands of those earning the money. Reduced taxation also increased the purchasing power of wages; it stimulated prosperity, and reduced the cost of living. "We intend to establish a special Ministry of Social Welfare tor two purposes," he said, in conclusion. "The first purpose will be to bring about the closest co-operation and unity of action between the Government and the various welfare organisations on those matters particularly affecting women and children, including housing. The second will be to inaugurate a nation-wide system for the improvement of the physical development of bur young people by the establishment of health camps and other means. There will be recognition of and fullest co-operation with those organisations interested in the general welfare of our boys and girls on leaving school, and assisting them to secure suitable employment. We consider social welfare so important that we intend to establish a special. Ministry to deal with this important aspect of our national life."

A Motion of Confidence

The meeting was largely attended. It is believed to be the largest held in the district for many years. The following resolution was carried: — "This meeting places on record its complete confidence in the New Zealand National Party. It believes that, by supporting the party, the people cf the Dominion will be assured of realising the democratic ideal—the greatest good to the greatest number. It also expresses entire confidence in Mr. Hamilton as leader of that party and wishes him a full measure of the success his efforts have so well deserved."