MR A. J. SRHOY Danger of ‘bitter isolation’

Press, 14 November 1978, Page 30

MR A. J. SRHOY Danger of ‘bitter isolation’

New Zealand requires a Government with a programme of long-term restructuring and development which meets its needs, the Labour candidate for Ashburton, Mr A. J. Srhoy, says. A 45-year-old Lowcliffe dairy fanner, Mr Srhoy is a member of the Ashburton Licensing Trust. He is making his second bid for a local seat having contested Selwyn for Labour in 1969. He said that if the country' continued its present course people would end up relatively poor and living in an isolated and bitter nation that had been bled of its youth and skilled.

Recession was now the dominant influence, with

high unemployment, low or negative economic growth, depressed fanning and business confidence, high costs of living, and waste and inefficiency in

areas of Government < spending the major economic obstacles. Labour policies were designed to have New Zealand working and producing again. The key elements were the control of interest rates, boosting domestic spending through tax reform, establishing a priority industry programme, restoring regional development, and boosting exporting and marketing. Mr Srhoy said, “I. believe that every new Zealander should be entitled to own a home at an affordable price. Housing is currently critical with high-cost finance, through both State and private lending institutions.” There had to be marked changes in mort-

gage repayment patterns and better balance between use of new and existing homes. He was particularly concerned about teen-agers who found it difficult, if not impossible, after their education, to get employment. Many had found it necessary to leave the country to get work. High interest rates, ex-

cessive increases in farming costs, and industrial problems had helped undermine farming confidence. The best example of failure was the stockallowance pay-out which “made farmers into superannuitants.” Mr Srhoy said that importing wheat was a ridiculous policy and it meant loss of job opportunities and prosperity to the electorate.

“My concern is also for the young man — for heavily-mortgaged farmers and workers who want to become farmers. Unless opportunities are given to these men and land made available at low interest rates, our economic future is in grave doubt,” Mr Srhoy said.