REFORM POLICY

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 31 October 1922, Page 5

REFORM POLICY

MANIFESTO BY MR. MASSEY. j

{.BY XKI-MJHAI'H— PJ^SS .\SSUCiATiO2S ~ . - WELLINGTON, Oct. 30. Mr. Massey announces tne policy and programme of the .Reform Party in a mamiesto issued this evening. Mr Massey says the policy submitted to the country last election was generally approved by the electors; and it had been consistently adhered to by the Government and much of it had already taken shape. 'iue financial obligations arising out of the war, together with the very serious drop in tixe value of our staple products, make it necessary that the urst and most important plank in the policy of the Government should be a reduction in the national expenditure, with such retrenchment and economy as .will enable us to live well within our income. Economy must not, however, «e pushed to that point where it would interfere with the further development of our resources, which is so necesssary it we are to increase exports, find employment for our people, and bring more capital into the Dominion. .Reductions have been made in taxation and tne Premier hopes to obtain further-relief in this direction before long. The Government's aim was to provide land for those able to use it successfully, thus relieving unemployment and increasing production; and to this* end, where necessary, money will be advanced to help the small man who js prepared to use it prudently and productively. . vfnder the heading of "present day needs" the manifesto sets out the policy of the Government in 29 sections. Mr Massey begins with the need for a strong Government and goes on to careful and economic administration, continued and sympathetic treatment for returned soldiers, especially incapacitated and disabled men. Other sections are: V Development of the Dominion by a vigorous nublie works policy, including the 'completion of railways now under construction. - • i Improvement of main highways, wfifch lorry services in the outlying districts, and an extension of hydro-electric works. Encouragement of a self-reliant i policy. '■'-■/■■: '■'■• "'■:■■■■ Profitablecultivation of waste lands. Increased, shipping *acilities. - -, Encouragement of industries and a well thought out system of .. profitsharing. ; '■"■'. ty^-to-date shipping and mail services. Development of trade with Australia and the Pacific Islands. Encouragement of preferential trade I within the Einpire. : . I Continued assistance to local authorities, especially for housing the peoole. Maintenance of the present education system. State assistance to maternity patients. Extension of the district nurses* system ■in the backblocks. Consistent observance of the principle that every section of the community should receive its fair share of the community's earnings in proportion to the value of. its services. Extension of the exemption from income tax of heads of households in proportion to the number of .children. Amendment of the military-1 service system so that it will .not interfere unnecessarily with industries.'"-* Arrangement with Great Britain for proper naval protection in the Pacific. Legislation against trusts" and combines. ,•'-'•■. - -^ i Vigorous immigration policy. Maintenance, of freehold policy. Roading scheme to provide good roads. Extension of the telephone system to out-districts. - Planting of sand dunes. - Encouragement of town planning schemes. x ~; Further postal facilities for country settlers bv an extension of the system of rural maik services. Provision to be made to ensure worldwide wireless and telegraphic communication for New Zealand. Encouragement of practical patriotism, love of country, appreciation of British citizenship^ and oride in Britain's re^cd in. feace *>nd vfav. DetftTr^*nntiori to mafc<* New, Zealand a model British community, to keep it progressive and prosperous, enlightened and self-reliant, self-respecting, industrious and independent, and always ready to do its dir^v in maintaining the principles of British, manhood. The Premier refers to Mr. Lloyd George's appeal for troops for Galliopli. He details what was done by the Gov- - ernment and expresses gratification...-at the fact that over 14.000 men and women responded voluntarily to the call. ■=• Three parties are appealing to tk electors. "Between two of them _there is little difference in principles, but the tVrd is -wedded to revolutionary principles and action which, if successful, would disTnteG-ra.te the Einpire *>nd inaugurate ' Soviet rtile and class legislation of the worst kind. If New Zealand is to be -made safe for democracy it must stand against anything in the way "of revolutionary socialism. The people should unite in., support of those who, bv conduct and practical work, .have shown their loyalty to the Empire, and who are prepared to maintain principles of.tmth. justice, and freedom. wliich j nrovide the ■ fornication of British law.