MUNICIPAL POLICY

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 167, 11 April 1935, Page 8

MUNICIPAL POLICY

Labour Party Sets Out Programme STATEMENT ISSUED Claiming that Labour’s municipal policy is, in effect, its national, social and economic ideals adapted to meet local needs, the Wellington Labour Representation Committee has issued the policy statement of candidates tor the City Council, the Hospital Board and the Harbour Board. . "The right of Labour to fair and adequate representation on the City Council and the other Wellington local bodies has been challenged by various anti-Labour organisations,” the statement proceeds. "Labour accepts that challenge confidently relying on the good judgment and sense of fairness of the electors. “The policy of deflation and income reducing carried on over a period of years by the Government, helped by the Civic League, and other antiLabour members, who constitute a majority on the Wellington local bodies, has proved disastrous to all workers, whether employed or unemployed, as well as to business aud trade. That policy was approved, endorsed, supported and put into operation locally by the candidates who are opposing Labour at the present elections. These candidates stand for organisations which still adhere to the disastrous policy of deflation at the expense of the majority of the people, which has caused so much poverty aud suffering. “Would Reverse Deflation.” "If Labour is given the opportunity on May 8, it will reverse the foolish deflationary policy enacted by the various local bodies in co-operation with the Government and will endeavour to restore the purchasing power of the community as far as is possible under the Municipal Corporations Act and the other legislative measures already mentioned. The Labour Party will continue to fight nationally for the defeat of the Government and its deplorable policy which amounts to an increase and perpetuation of poverty in the midst of plenty. “The issue is as clear locally as it is nationally : It is Labour aga inst all anti-Labour forces. It is Labour’spolicy of fair play and sufficient for all against the miserable policy of Labour’s opponents which has wrought such havoc among the men, women and children .of our city and country. City Council. "Labour stands for the efficient control of the affairs of the city, for careful scrutiny and administration of the city’s finance: for the fair and equitable apportionment of available funds to all districts: for the protection, conservation, and development of the Town Belt, parks, beaches and other reserves: for a comprehensive housing and town planning programme to replace our congested and over-crowded areas: for an assured adequate water supply: for a more enterprising and business-likt policy in connection with the Electricity Department with a view to extending maximum benefits to consumers: for the efficient co-ordination of tram and bus services and reasonable passenger transport facilities for all localities, with generally reduced fares to develop and increase business in conformity with sound finance: for still further beneficial operations of the Milk Department, and for the full use of health services. Departmental Review. "If given the opportunity, Labour will conduct a careful and thorough review’of the various-city departments with the object of eliminating useless expenditure and obtaining greater cooperation. Labour believes that a wise expending and husbanding of the city’s resources is the best economy. “Labour’s policy of countering the depression by restoring wage cuts and reducing hours of work, thereby facilitating prosperity, will be applied as opportunity offers. While unemployment is essentially a national question, a Labour,City Council will apply Labour’s national policy of standard wages and conditions to the full extent of its legal powers. "Labour stands for the continuation of rating on unimproved values. Labour’s general administrative policy of efficiency and capable management, together with award wages and conditions, applies to the other local bodies as well as to the City Council. Hospital Board. “Labour will support practical proposals for placing medical, hospital and dental treatment within the reach of all, whether embodied in a national scheme or otherwise. Labour stands for more generous treatment for those in need’ of relief, and for a general improvement in the Old Peoples’ Home. The need for a convalescent home is urgent, and provision should be made for continued attention for all patients after they leave the hospital until health is restored. The establishment of a maternity ward and neuropathic annexe are necessary. Harbour Board. "Continued improvement aud development of the port and harbour witti good working conditions and wages for casual and permanent workers, right of appeal for employees, close supervision aiid efficient engineering control for the purpose of ensuring the preservation and stability of wharves,” is the policy in respect to the Harbour Board.