LABOUR’S POLICY

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22941, 10 February 1940, Page 18

LABOUR’S POLICY

CLEAR DEFINITION 'WANTED I

AIMS FOR NEXT TWELVE MONTHS

WIDE RANGE OF REMITS - FOR CONFERENCE

That the aims and objects of the Labour Party for the next 12 months should be clearly defined by the .an. nual conference is proposed m a remit from the Papakura branch to the Easter conference of the party. . II e £ e s?'?f s te J. t s?a; forms of transport under the Munster. The extension of the present «Qtra half-hour of daylight to operate throughout the year is a recommendation to the Government by the Para-. Pa A^“n U subject is raised hy the Hollyford branch’s recommendation that legislation be passed for the . Hppnsine of bookmakers. - 1 Roseneath and Wellington women’s branches will th?s conference call upon the Government to establish suitable work centres for men and women who have, suffered from tuberculosis and who are. declared fit and well to work. “ setting aside of one section in every six for play reservations, a rent subsidy to lower-paid workers, the compulsory repair and maintenance of nrivately-owned houses and the abolition of slum areas are among the recommendations on housing from a large number of organisations. Marketing Control Marketing control of Ml Primary_P r °- ducts potatoes, vegetables, fruit, eggs, and fish is proposed by eight branches. They also advocate the institution of open markets. Another remit is: That In view of the .large increase m secondary production and industry, generally every opportunity be given to . the consumer to purchase drrect frran the producer or factory with the object of -eliminating as f ar as possible fh<a intervention of the middleman. * 1 recommendation on the question - of altering the country quota and of an eariy application of the principle of one man one vote is likely to be made. 12 organisations having sent rem ßangiora, Timaru. Temuka, and Shirley branches are among those which propose the institution of board of in-.: dustrial planning, a five-year plan for all industries, the further development of secondary industry, and. self -govern ment in industry- Investigations mth the over-capitalisation of industry and. post-war mass immigration are also quested. Cost of Living Representation of the Labour mov&J® ment on the’Price Fixing Tribunal y recommended by many orgariisartionA, which further ask for the standardisation of prices of household commooir ties and more rigid control, and compensating wdge increases. The remits emphasise the necessity for an inquiry into unwarranted rises in the cost, of living and an investigation into the 1940 standard of living for a man, wife, and three children. . , . The need for a review of childrens fares on railways in order to brim? them in line with fares charged on railways in other countries is emphasised by the Otago Labour Reoresentation Committee and other bodies.. A report is also sought on the nossibility of allowing children to travel free up to five years and half-fere, up to 16 years. Use of Radio Freedom ,of the air to all parties who do not advocate insurrection is a proposal from five organisations. They also ask for a reduction in . radio licence fees. Reports are to be obtained bn recommendations for more broadcasts by Ministers regarding departmental activities and radio measures to combat anti-Govemment press propaganda. . . Pvfblic service conditions will also be disciissed. A committee, it us pro* posed, should be set up to consider and report on the abolition of the 1939 efficiency tests for civil servants, clerical workers’ wages and conditions, the payment of overtime, the position, of lower-paid servants, and the extension of the — basic wage to public servants. An investigation into conditions and administration of the service is also proposed. - , , , _ The provision of free school docks from February 1, 1941. and the raising of the school-leaving age to 16 years, with the payment of allowances are proposed by 11 organisations, including the Papanui branch. A conference committee on education will be asked to consider the advisability of investigating anomalies, the abolition of the, matriculation examination, theoretical training of apprentices, and greater working-class representation on education and hospital boards. _____