PARTY SYSTEM OPPOSED

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29367, 21 November 1960, Page 12

PARTY SYSTEM OPPOSED

I am contesting this election because I believe there is an urgent need today to free the nation from the strangling policies of party politics. The wishes of the people should come first. This is my policy as the People's Progressive Independent candidate for Timaru. The present party system simply inhibits the initiative of those politicians who have the ability and desire to implement a policy which would not only maintain our high standard of living but increase it. The vigorous people of our young country should be given every opportunity to improve the techniques which will enable us to sell the products of New Zealand in every part of the globe. We can profitably produce wool, meat, butter and cheese. Let us attempt to increase trade on more sensible terms with those countries, especially in South-east Asia, who are our best customers. We have all the factors necessary to make life good. We also have, in potential, all the factors to make life better. Let us use science and the benefits of our past experience to make the most of our resources. We need rest homes, resorts and holiday centres in suitable localities for the working people of New Zealand who have made New Zealand what it is today. I am a firm believer that education must be developed if we are to continue to prosper. I shall demand immediate increases in the salaries, not only of schoolteachers but also of university personnel and scientists. There is too great a tendency for these people to be under-paid and leave New Zealand for overseas positions. If other countries value their services more than we do there must be something wrong with our present system, or we are lacking in commonsense. It is obvious that >we must immediately train more teachers, investigate the possibilities of obtaining teachers from overseas, and also prepare to see they are comfortably housed in order that they may be able to work in an atmosphere free from inconvenience and worries. I agree that all industries are entitled to a just "and fair return on profits earned by the technicians and other employees. The shareholders are also entitled to a reasonable pay-out in dividends for risking their capital. Profits over and above this should go back to the employees who created it and thus increase their purchasing power. Petrol, like electricity, is power, I believe that cheaper petrol and cheaper electric power are possibilities. The possibilities of cheaper petrol and electricity will be reviewed by me when elected to Parliament. I believe in the maintenance of the present one-chamber form of Parliament; a stricter censorship on picture programmes, broadcasting programmes and salacious literature. We must do more research to prevent the serious erosion in many areas capable of considerably more production. If this world is to be a better place to live in New Zealand must take steps to overhaul its present unbalanced trading with Socialist and other neighbouring nations. It is goods the people want, and at a reasonable price. I believe in the equitable exchange of goods for goods—this is the basis of foreign trade. Let us increase foreign trade and increase our imports from all good foreign customers.