LABOUR PARTY’S PROPOSAL

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24868, 7 May 1946, Page 6

LABOUR PARTY’S PROPOSAL

ORGANISATION OF INDUSTRY From Our Own Reporter

GREYMOUTH, May 6. Some idea of the Labour Party’s proposals in the future was given by the Hon. J. O’Brien in an address at Greymouth this evening. Mr O’Brien said that Labour had a plan for the organisation of industry in New Zealand after the forthcoming elections, and it would ensure that there would be adequate housing provision made at the rate of 15.000 homes, a year, and a total of 45,000 homes at the end of three years. Mr O’Brien said immigration to New Zealand was needed, but added that it would not be introduced until such time as houses could be made available for immigrants. There were 6000 people both at Wellington and in Auckland who had applied and were waiting for Government houses, and houses would be built for them as soonas was practicable, he said. “We want production, and production to the fullest possible level, and when we get it, it will be distributed without the few wealthy men grabbing the benefits of it,” said the Minister.

An amendment to the Workers’ Compensation Act proposing the creation of pensions for wives of workers and dependants killed in the course of their employment was a bill which he progosed to sponsor next year, said Mr ’Brien, There would be other provisions in the bill to provide for compensation and other aspects where workers were involved in injury and incapacity in the course of their employment, whether partial or permanent. Labour also aimed for an improved standard of education from the kindergarten to the university, and would frame provisions for every possible provision in this direction, continued the speaker. It would introduce and maintain universal medical clinics, and provide for a mutual and co-operative policy for aH people in New Zealand, and take charge of the control of finances of the country. “We legislate for-the people and will continue to do so,” concluded the Minister.