Liberal Party For State Aid

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30269, 23 October 1963, Page 14

Liberal Party For State Aid

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, October 22. The Liberal Party was definitely in favour of adequate State aid for private schools within a reasonable period, the newly-elected leader of the party, Mr R. M. Hutton-Potts, said in Auckland today. “We can see nothing wrong in principle with that if the private schools are relieving the State of the job of educating children,” he said.

in a broad outline of policy, Mr Hutton-Potts said the Liberal Party was a new party based on the old.and established principles which motivated the statesmen who made New Zealand in earlier days. “The main point is our belief in fair competition,” he said. "We are opposed to monopoly control in any form, and especially the political monopoly of the two parties in power at present. "We consider that State institutions, as far as is possible, should be competitive with private enterprise.” Mr Hutton-Potts said the Liberals supported the view that New Zealand should have a second chamber and a written constitution. The extension of the term of each Parliament to at least four, and preferably five, years was favoured. So far, the Liberal Party has announced 18 official candidates. It may have upwards of 20. Mr Hutton-Potts said he would be disappointed if each of them did not receive at least 500 votes. “Possibly we will win one or two seats,” he said. “But even if we fail to win a single seat, we will have given the dispossessed elec- ■ tors of New Zealand their ’ first opportunity in 30 years . to vote for a reasonable third party.” Mr Hutton-Potts said the ' Liberal Party definitely would continue in being if it . did fail to win a seat. “I would think it is against i all reason,” he said, "that i two parties should continue to i monopolise government in New Zealand.”

Mr Hutton-Potts will open the Liberal Party’s campaign at a public meeting in Auckland on Thursday night.