Development Labour’s priority

Press, 23 November 1981, Page 23

Development Labour’s priority

MR M. A. CONNELLY

The Labour Party's regional development policies will bring Yaldhurst back to life and will revitalise Christchurch and South Island industry, according to the party's candidate, Mr M. A. Connelly.

He said that Labour would promote and develop new industry in the region and would steer investment into production and jobs. The party's first priority would be to’ replace the dole with full employment.

Labour would see that the essential needs of the family were within the reach of everybody and would “act decisively" to reform the tax system. Special attention would be given to singleincome families and enterprise had to be encouraged. Mr Connelly said' “Crime

and violence have never been worse. The increased crime rate is a social scourge which must be halted. The rule of law must be upheld and the safety of people and their properties protected." Mr Connelly said that the family was the most important unit of New Zealand society. Labour would restore the social conditions

that gave a new confidence to family life.

Mr Connelly said "Public policies must support the familv.”

Mr Connelly entered Parliament in 1958 .is the member for Riccarton. holding that seat until 1,%9. Alter electorate boundary changes, he represented " Wigram. from 1969 to 1978. and Yaldhurst since 1978.

The portfolios he held during the third Labour government, from 1972 to 1975 included Works and Develop ment. Police, Customs anc Statistics. He was also Associate Minister of Finance.

He is now Labour's spokesman on Works and Development, Defence, and the Police and he is a representative on the party s policy council. He. is aged 65 and is married. He has six children.