INCREASE URGED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21801, 25 August 1945, Page 6

INCREASE URGED

N.Z. PRODUCTION THE NATIONAL PARTY OUTLINE OF POLICY (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 25. "We are determined to address ourselves to the problem of obtaining more production,” said the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. S. G. Holland, in an address to the annual conference of the National Party, which concluded yesterday. The declining production, he said, was a matter of the utmost seriousness to New Zealand. Last year dairy production was less by 70,000,0001 b. than it was three years before. "Our standard of living,” said Mr. Holland, “consists of what we produce for ourselves. In our policy we give great attention to profit-sharing and improved industrial relationships. There must be an incentive for men to produce more and earn more. We must reduce the wage tax so as to leave more with the people. We think it should be made worthwhile for people to save and be self-reliant. The Government’s policy is to encourage everyone to lean on the State and we disagree with that.” Mr. Holland said Britain took over 80 per cent of our primary products and could be relied upon to buy our products provided we gave her the goods she wanted at the right price and the right to fair competition on our own markets. There was a danger that, if we continued to assert the right to select what we bought from Britain, Britain would say that she would select what she bought from us and this might revive the danger of a quota such as was threatened in 1938. Producer Control The National Party was determined to maintain a policy of full employment and would restore to the farmer control of his own affairs. There would be producer control of marketing. with Government co-operation if it were needed. The housing policy of the National Party, by removing the sales tax, would effect a pronounced reduction in the cost of houses. In the same way the National Party would reduce by half the cost of the work-saving appliances needed by women in their daily housework. ‘‘We propose to bring down the cost of living,” said Mr. Holland, “and see that the women of New Zealand have restored to them their freedom of choice in buying the things they need.” Mr. Holland’s address was received with acclamation and a motion of thanks and confidence in him was passed. The following officers were elected: President, Mr. W. J. Sim. K.C.; viceoresidents, Messrs. G. M. Smith (Auckland), A. M. Bisley (South Auckland), P. J. Wall (Wellington), E. R. Comer (Canterbury), G. W. Lane (OtagoSouthland). Women vice-presidents: North Island, Mrs. R. H. F. Hardley (Tauranca); South Island, Mrs. J. Campbell (Dunedin). Vice-president representing the Maori race, Mr. H. Marumaru (Wanganui).