“Economic Climate Has Favoured Development”

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31221, 19 November 1966, Page 18

“Economic Climate Has Favoured Development”

The National Government had created a sound and economic climate for the development of New Zealand, and the vigorous growth since 1949 had not been equalled in any other period, said Mr R. L. G. Talbot, National Party candidate for the Ashburton electorate, in an address to about 50 electors in Ash- ’ burton last evening. The country’s growth had I ; been spectacular, with the , Government concentrating ; particularly on developing primary industries on which ; the whole economy depended. : For every £1 earned overseas, 19s 6d was from primary products, said Mr Talbot. He said the Government \ would continue its policy of > land development and settle- , ment, in which £l3 million a . year had been spent on development to bring in 50,000 i acres annually for settlement. The Government had given worthwhile incentives to producers, and increased produc- ; tion had resulted. Mr Talbot said development could be seen everywhere in : the electorate. Millions of pounds had been spent on farms, roads, river control, soil conservation, and other works. The towns were prosperous, secondary industries were thriving and expanding rapidly, and he would ensure

that this development continued to be encouraged in future. Mr Talbot said the Government’s net borrowings overseas had been moderate in the circumstances. A moderate rate was acceptable while a high growth was maintained. The alternative was less borrowing, less production, less growth, and a lower standard of living. Mr Talbot said he would work to ensure that Ashburton got its share of the Education vote, and that problems over school sitings were resolved. He supported local recommendations for rebuilding of Ashburton College in Middle road and an intermediate school on the senior college site. To a questioner, Mr Talbot said he did not favour another | Education Board covering the Ashburton and South Canterbury areas, The Canterbury Education Board was doing an efficient job, and it was important to “avoid creating more empires with more overhead and administrative charges.”