Attention To Western Samoa Advised

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31225, 24 November 1966, Page 18

Attention To Western Samoa Advised

If the Government was concerned about the spread of communism in the South Pacific it should have directed its attention to the situation in Western Samoa as well as Vietnam, the Labour member for Riccarton (Mr M. A. Connelly) told an audience of 11 last night. He said the Communists and the Japanese were vying with each other to obtain a foothold in Western Samoa because the New Zealand Government was not prepared to make available the resources for its development. Mr Connelly said that if the Government had a good record at home it would not have raised the Vietnam issue during the current election campaign. He said his party would change the role of New Zealand in Vietnam to one aimed at establishing a stable government based on a stable economy.

He said Labour would so channel resources into the export industry to meet require-

ments obtained from abroad out of current income.

He promised an overhaul of the hospital system, an agreement with the medical profession over the settlement of fees in full, and an examination of the cost, needs, income and living conditions of people on benefits. We will carry out such other reforms as are necessary to let them maintain a resonable standard of living,” he said. Home ownership would be encouraged by offering State Advances loans at 3 per cent to people on incomes up to £2O a week or an additional £1 10s for couples with children.

It would be possible for parents to capitalise the family benefit to buy existing dwellings as well as new ones. Mr Connelly said the Labour Party would offer young people inducements to study, better school facilities at all levels and the materials required for research at university level.

For people in industry there would be a three weeks’ annual leave.