GOVERNMENT'S POLICY.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 71, 23 March 1912, Page 8

GOVERNMENT'S POLICY.

POINTS FROM THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. The Liberal caucus, it is reported, reaffirmed^ the policy put forward in the Governor's Speech last session. That ' policy was In brief as under :—: — Readjustment of the graduated land tax, the rates being increased from the jioiiit of £30,000 unimproved value upwaixK Reform of the Legislative Council, which is to be made partly elective/ ■v Provision ' for subdivision of freehold estates of £25,000 unimproved value and upwards.' ■ - - > <■ Vigorous Native land settlement policy. Prevention of the aggregation of large landed estates, and prevention of trafficking in Grown leases. Revision of the land tax, andexemp tion for taxation purposes raised to £1000/- » Income tax amended, so as to distinguish' , between earned and unearned incomes'. The creation of a standing Commission of Industrial Investigation, to enquire into the cost of living and other social uifd industrial problems. Amendment ,of the Arbitration Act, witn • a layman as President of the Court, and the promotion 'of the system of profit-sharing. Substantial - eha-nges in the electoral to ensure all on the roll exercising the franchiso. ' A complete revision of the Customs tariff. Concessions in -'railway fares to chil- ■ dren — free up to five years of age, and ' quarter rates from five to fourteen years. Provision of medical -attendance to the poor, and the establishment of convales- ' tent homes f or mothers after maternity. Old age pensions amendment* fixing the age for women at 60 years, and for widows at -55 years, without any restrictions as to children. Legal assistance to those nut able to " afford it. Nationalisation of the iron industry and". possible nationalisation of the oil' industry if any attempt is made to place it.-uiider the control of a Trust. , ' ISetahlishmenb of cottage farms. The erection and promotion of co-opera-tive farmers* clubs. The reintroduction of the State-note. Issne Bill. Free education from the primary school to the university.