Remit calls for maximum term in safe seats

Press, 17 February 1983, Page 2

Remit calls for maximum term in safe seats

Delegates to the northern South Island Labour Party regional conference at Nelson this week-end will debate a suggestion that members of Parliament be allowed to stay in a safe seat for only four terms.

The remit has been put forward by the AddingtonSpre'ydon branch of the Labour Party, which has also suggested that the party leader should be elected by the party at large.

The branch chairman, Mr H. A. Clark, said that the branch had put the remit forward because some members felt that no member of Parliament should take it for granted that he or she would be re-elected “ad infinitum.” The remit was not drawn up with any person in mind.

The conference, which will be attended by about 125 delegates and observers, will consider more than 100 remits.

It is the first of this year’s round of regional Labour Party conferences. It will also be the first major party appearance for the new leader, Mr Lange, and the new deputy leader, Mr Palmer. Other remits include a proposal that National Superannuation be phased out and replaced by a contributary scheme; that the South Island’s mobile X-ray unit be restored; and that one comprehensive piece of legislation be drawn up to cover drinking laws. The electorate committee

of the northern division of the West Coast has suggested that the Karamea-Colling-wood road be Jjuilt as soon as possible. Another remit proposes that the irrigation of the Canterbury Plains with water diverted from West Coast rivers be investigated. The Addington-Spreydon branch has suggested that all railway branch lines that havebeen closed be reopened and that a Nelson branch line be built immediately. It also proposes that all railway lines be electrified. Other remits propose a Royal Commission to investigate the ownership and control of the news media and an investigation into energy pricing. Several remits on the conference agenda relate to a reduction in air pollution through the development of electric cars in Christchurch, the introduction of compulsory vehicle exhaust-emis-sion tests, and the banning of lead in petrol.The Papanui electorate committee has supported a remit calling on a Labour government to introduce legislation requiring the amalgamation of local authorities in metropolitan areas. Another remit proposes that a referendum be held on the possibility of changing the present Parliamentary term.

Other remits to be debated suggest that the price of milk be standardised and that the mail service to New Zealand House in London be reinstated.