Changes advocated

Press, 28 May 1979, Page 6

Changes advocated

; Calls for a return to private enterprise echoed at the annual conference of the Canterbury-Westland division of the National Party, held in Christchurch at the week-end.

Delegates argued strongly for less Government aid in social welfare and health services, and for turning the second television channel and hydro-electric construction work over to private enterprise.

Few remits were rejected. Notable exceptions were re-

, mits calling for a means test i ion the family benefit, the re- ■ placement of import licensing • by tariffs, a local authority i tax, and a complete overhaul | of the superannuation system. Delegates rejected a YaldI hurst remit that would have (allowed the party president I to attend caucus meetings as • of right. They also rejected la remit calling for a fourlyear Parliamentary term. I A Nelson remit asking that (the Contraception, Sterilisa- | tion, and Abortion Act be (repealed was adopted by a'

• 20-15 majority. It was the only remit that required a count of votes. The remits will be forwarded to Wellington, together with remits from the other four divisions of .the party. A selection will he debated at the national con, ference, to be held in Christchurch from July 27 to 30. Mr M. F. Hunter was reelected chairman of the division. Messrs R. J. Gerard (Rangiora) and N. G. A. Young (Lyttelton) were ‘elected deputy chairmen.