THE NATIONAL PARTY

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1938, Page 6

THE NATIONAL PARTY

WELLINGTON, September 19. A policy manifesto lias been issued for the National Party, by Hob, A. Hamilton, Leader of the Opposition, tvho'said the main pl&nks were: A restoration of personal freedom, niain-' tenanee of the highest standard of family life, ancTftitufe deVelopmerit of New Zealand along tested lines of British democracy. ■ A summary of the National Party’s programme can be given as 'follows: Restoration of personal freedom nficl legitimate rights of private enterprise.

Financial assistance for the pur-' chase of horties, including houses at presented rented from the State. A housings scheme for farm workers and provision of loans for yohng married couples for the purchase of" furniture, the loans To be written dfi in accordance with tlie growth of the family.

Establishment of a Ministry of Social AVelfare, With planned provision for all social services. No Puts in Wkpes, pensions, or civil servants’ salaries, and no mandatory increase in'working hours. ' The [Arbitration ‘Court, and preference to- unionists‘ to he retained. CoinpulSqry 'Driidriisni to be abolished. . Provision of pensions for widows and Orphans, and the institution of a free maternity service.Liberalised fafnily allowances. Completion of public works. Itestorhtipn to tlie. farmer of ownership and control' over his own pro-, duce, ’ ‘ .. ...... Increased land settlement with an assured right of tenure. ; Assistance for iiiauufaptufefs. Abolition of tlie TJhemployment Tax oh women. , s The gold tax to be abolished. . Tlie petrol tax and radio license: fees to be reduced. 'MR. HAMILTON’S STATEMENT “In the, days of our fathers, New Zealand was known as a land of opportunity,” said Mr Hamilton in issuing the manifesto to-day. “Under the pervading influence of Socialism, op-, portunity for young men of enterprise no longer exists. We give to tlie peo-' pie ,of the .Dominion an assurance of hope: for the future. We promise them restoration, of personal freedom: In their-Work and in their leisure, and we proniise to maintain the highest, standard of familv life as the orilv souiter for the future of society?^*

“The tissue before tlie people of the Dominion ,is simple and clear-cut,” said Mr Hamilton. “In less than a hundred men of enterprise and vision have developed New Zealand to such an extent that we enjoy, a standard T of living unequalled elsewhere in the world.

“Now, during the last three years there has arisen the menace of Socialism—the direct antithesis of all virtiies which have raised us to nationhood. There is not an individual, in New Zealand to-day who is free from'the menace of Socialism. Under the principles which actuate Labour legislators, the, State must Stand supreme, -and. the urge for supremacy must inevitably be carried to a point where,freedom of the individual vanishes. That is the road which we are travelling to-day, and, in our opinion,’ it leads downhill to national destruction.” y

FAMILY LIFE. ' “We have then, the issue of British democracy as against socialism, but, arising-in ; part out of this, there is the fundamental issue of race preservation,, which can only be based on family, life. Socialism seeks to replace the family by the State, and, in doing so, it ignores the matter of basic loyalties. Family traditions and the family, spirit have been of supreme importance in shaping the character of the ,British race, and if family loyalties and responsibilities are allowed to die, the race will die with them. On economic grounds, alone, we cannot afford to" have a declining population. This' generation has no right to mortgage tlie wealth and production:'of future generations without ensuing that tlie next generation will be nu'fnvn'cally strong enough to carry the B load, if youth is to be asked to pay heavy taxes' for the support of the older generation, the result must be delayed' irVarriage and fewer children. Far. from taxing young people, the National l’arty stands for letting them have 1 full and easy finance for building their own homes—not merely for renting State-owned houses. AGAINST STATE HOUSES. “We-will-give all of the State tenants the right to freehold tenure. In. addition, we, are prepared to grant loans of £IOO to young couples for the ' iiurcKase of furniture, this advance to*, be reduced with the birth of each child of the marriage, until it is cancelled out, at the birth of the third child. Family allowances will also be' provided at the. rate of 4s per week in respect of each child over the second. We regard this question of race preservation -asv something transcending

STATEMENT OF POLICY BY HON. ADAM HAMILTON

the mere mechanics of politics, and ive are prepared to base our whole policy on the strengthening of family' life. Complementary, to this factor, we will legislate, throughout on a basis sof freedom of opportunity and justice for the individual.

ELECTION ISSUES. “This will probabiy.be the first occasion in the political history of New . Zealand when an election will be fhught, on broad questions of principles,” Mr Hamilton continued. “No people of British' stock are prepared to throw away their birthright * to derriocracy for the rigid fetters of a Sbcialist state. Divergency in party principles is clearly shojvn in legislation passed by tlie Labour Government during' its first term of office. Labour’s objective has remained unaltered. It .is still tlie socialisation of the means of production, distribu- I tion and exchange,* and no amount of Verbal camouflage can alter that fact. The objective is State ownership of all. the resources of the nation:—not only the natural resources, but 'also those other resources of industry, trade, . commerce, finance and professional servide which have been built up by individuals. Primary .production—all ' foodstuffs—can be taken over by the Government at, the prices fixed by the Government. Manufacturing industries—and other industries are coming more arid more under Government domination. The Government has developed its housing, scheme, under which , the private building industry has been stifled, this resulting in an insufficient number of houses being built. Dictatorial licensing powers are being invoked to ensure .that the State obtains a monopoly of transport ownership. The formation of the Internal Marketing Department, with powers to control marketing of all forms of foodstuffs within the Dominion," is a big' step towards socialisation of distribution. On public works, the socialist objective is to have as many men as possible dependent on the State for ; wages, as - the satisfied wage earner under private enterprise is not likely to accept theories of socialism. The Government’s acquisition and control of all broadcasting facilities billows the usual method of dictators—that people must read and hear only what the Government decides is good for them. Finance: The policy of the Government vviijj regard, has h.(?i*n deliberately designed to tax private enterprise, industry and thrift right out of existence. An . examination of socialist legislation "will plainly show where we are heading to-dav. Our task when we take over, the Treasury Benches wifi be primarily to divert“the existing trend of Government policy away from socialism.., One thing.which I want to make perfectly clear is .that it will not he necessary to undertake a policy ,of smashing and cutting. There aye points of merit in some - of the Labour Government’s legislation, and these noints will he nreservt ed. However, the underlying basis of Socialism will be immediately remov- , ed.

Stating his policy, Mr Hamilton said: “We seek to arouse a deeper interest. New Zealand is now fin independent member of th'e Empire, with close upon a century’s life behind her. and must accept the full rpsponsibißtv of nationhood. Every citizen m the Dominion should realise his duty fo fulfill obligations of democracy. As a party, we aim at being trulv national in character, representing all sections of the community—farmers, manufacturers, wage earners, business and professional men, —and we shall govern in national, as distinct from a section-' al or class interests. We recognise no class distinctions in the people of this virile young iiation.” “Recounising our responsibility as a unit of tlie great Empire to which we proudly belong, and responding to fie ties of its common heritage, we will, at all times, co-operate with Great Britain and other parts of the Empire to the fullest extent possible, not only in trade and defence, but also in every direction that will furthpr strengthen tlie bonds of the Empire, and promote the peace of the world.” “Labour stands for subjection of industry, and supremacy of the State. The National Party, on the contrary, stands for private enterprise, and the greatest freedom for the individual to develop his own resources and his own initiative. We will remove from the minds of the small traders and shop-, keepers a fear which is engendered hv internal State marketing, and we af/lL give them freedom to expand, in place of tlie uncertainty and distrust Whicffi. at present, stand in the path of Organisation, planning and development Ivy commerce, trade and industry. We shall give encouragement and an assurance of stability, and shall establish the most favourable conditions under which the individual can co-operate so that, effort may thrive in the community.” COMPENSATIVE PRICE. “Primary production is .the foundation of industry of New Zealand, and is entitled to a standard of reward comparable with other . industries, as the farmer labours under an economic

disadvantage, in that he has to accept world market prices fOr his produce, but has to meet Internal costs. We will give effect to such measures as will ensure that farmers are able to pay. competitive rates of wages; are assured 1 of reasonable interest on the capital Value in the- farms and- stock:and enabled to meet the increased costs imposed by legislation, Including tariffs, and are ensured remuneration commensurate with the services they render, comparable with ' that obtained by other members of .the community who render equal service. This wil' be accomplished either by the lowering of costs, or by a compensating payment for farm produce, or by a combination of the both.” i GUARANTEED PRICE TO GO—j OR NOT ? " i Tv - ■’ [ ■/. ■ - ■ li. " | .‘.‘Regarding the present so-called Gunman,teed Pride, the National Party will honour all committments. .which haVe beeri entered into hv the Labour Government with regard to the currsgU season’s prices for dairy produce. Wo will return to the farmer ownership l of his own produce. The commandeer principle will he entirely removed. We Will consult the dairy industry on matter* relating to marketing .and finance, and will ass Jit by providing a guaranteed minimum price. Internal prices and farming costs will both receive close attention. LAND SETTLEMENT.

New Zealand’s export wealth comes almost entirely from primary products. Various types of farming offer one of the best .avenues for the establishing of many of our poeple in suitable homes and permanent occupations. To this end, we .will pursue a Vigorous land settlement policy, first hv making available for settlement any , suitable areas of,Crown Lands, and, .secondly, by a policy of,'subdivision of such areas as are suitable ,for this purpose.;, settlers to obtain .their holdings at reasonable • and economic values, and on a table mortgage.

We will provide financial assistance and adjust costs in order (1) to encourage voluntary subdivision; (2) tp provide farms for suitable applicants such ris farmers’ sons, rural workers, share milkers and others with small amounts of capital’: (3) to assist in building homes and developing and, Stocking holdings; (4) to arrange small holdings for such seasonal workers as dairy factory, freezing works,-, and farm workers and miners. Group settlement will be undertaken to assimilate less experienced . men under the control of a group manager. The. Value, of farms, when developed, will be based on productive values. In.. order to -provide .amenities for mar-v ried workers in districts where such; labour can be utilised, particularly in the, vicinity of villages, facilities..will be given for the erection of convenient and suitable homes upon small farms of convenient, size. The land tenure will be, in all cases, at the option of the settler, and all-weather roads will be provided. A vigorous policy of treeplanting will be encouraged ( and assist- ( THE MANUFACTURER.. In the manufacturing industries we See a most likely and fruitful field for increasing national production and enlarging the national income available ‘ to the people, absorbing our surplus man-power, and reducing the great uneconomic loss of idle productive can a j city, which Ims so many attendant illeffects, We realise that our manufacturing industries cannot prosper while they are burdened with excessive taxes and constantly rising costs, with confidence in investment and production almost non-existent, and with Government interference and bureaucratic regulation in every direction. We recognise .that finance will not be available, unless a return commensurate with the ; investment involved and risk incurred is reasonably assured. In a country with a relatively small population, a larger ratio (if consumption of New Zealand-produced goods is essential to efficient and economical production. We will co-operate closely with our manufacturers so as to bring about greatly increased consumption of goods produced, not only in our factories, but alsb oh our farms, so as to stimulate production and increase efficiency wherever possible. We will give industry the "greatest amount of freedom from State interference and dictation, by limiting Government regulation to the prevention of abuses inimical to the public .interest. We will help industrialists by stabilising costs, and by constant co-operation in research to improve efficiency and to discover new avenues of expansion.

We will assist industry by requiring that foreign-marked goods are clearly marked with the name of the country of origin. As far as practicable we will restore to the manufacturing industries the Ottawa basis of competition with overseas goods. We will do everything possible to restore confidence in industrial, enterprise with goodwill and understanding between worker and employer, and. we will encourage schemes to bring about that, end. We will„qncourage schemes lor profit sharing, co-partnership, etc. As. a. Government, \yo,.tiv,i)l see that, wheryver possible, New Zealand-made goods will be given preference in Goverriiviont requirements. . , j,., ARBITRATION. “The Labour Party’s administration and compulsory unionism lias resulted in the domination of industrial employment by the Trades Hall, greatly to the detriment of industrial peace, as exemplified by an enormous number of disputes, strikes and other :causes of stoppage of work sjnee Labour has, been the Government. The National Party will retain tlie system of comptdsory arbitration, and awards of the Court ivill be impartially enforced on both the employer and employee, The procedure of the Arbitration Courts

will be simplified, and thus do ajvay 1 with, present- irritating delays in mak-, * ing awards, and giving decisions. ' i The question of workers’ wages, 1 hours and the conditions of employ- I < ment wll be left to the Court of Arbi- I fc rati on for decision, on the evidence submitted, including the - effect, of ■-s awards, on industry, and on employment. We will repeal the law relating to' compulsory unionism. But we acknowI edge the right of workers to join unions, and provision will be-made for the inclusion jof the preference- to unionists clause in awards of the Arbitration Court. One Court of Arbitration will be. [reverted to, and .matters of less im 7 porta nee will, be lefererd to Magistrates. We will undertake a complete overhaul of the existing law governing the employment of our youth population. A HOUSING PROBLEM. 0: Recognising that NeW Zealand'S prosperity and development have been largely built up by small traders, small farmers, small manufacturers and small shopkeepers, we wall do everything possible to ensure their prosper- , ity and freedom from ministerial dictatorship and interference. The National Party is opposed to the monopolistic control of any section of trade or industry. • . We will approach the housing lern from the standpoint that a home owned is far better than a home rented. The Labour Party believes that “the State should own houses and that people should be State tenants. Tljfe National Party stands for private ownership of the home as the basis of om national life. The right of purchase will be given to the tenants of the, State houses, and in other eases liberal advances up to 90 per cent, will he made available to home builders, while every encouragement wall he given to building societies. The present Gov- ; ernment’s bousing policy has crippled private bouse building. Unwarranted restrictions placed on private house building have resulted in large -numbers of houses previously available for - letting purposes being taken off the market, thus aggravating, rather than relieving the existing shortage. These restrictions will he removed, and we iwill restore to ow-ners the right of access to their own properties,, at the (same time providing adequate safe- ' guards for the tenants. :• Particular attention will be given to ; the provision, of homes for farm and other country workers. : ‘ RENTED STATE HOUSES TOO! , As the' employees, of the State. Departments are constantly, subject to transfer Ifrom one place to another, \ w'o wall .jSee that houses are provided for letting to the Departmental staffs on reasonable terms. '■< Realising the responsibility of the 1 State is to see that adequate hous- ’• ing is available for the people, we aim at the building programme of at least 5000 bouses each year., We will advance to young couples „ getting married a loan, of £IOO. f,gr the purchase of furniture, such loan y to be repaid with interest at the ! lowest possible rate, but the loan will bq-icalicelled on the birth of ' children as follows: For the first child ! £2O, for "the second child £3O, for the 1 third, child £SO. •• t . -DEFENCE. r;... We approve of the ideals of the ' League of Nations, but ,we. believe • that a strongly-defended British Em- ' pire is tlie greatest factor in. the pre- ! servation of world peace, We accept • our responsibility for providing our i own local defence. In addition we will • take our share in maintaining trade- • routes, and in . the common object of ■ Empire defence. Our* policy is that:, !, (I) We will maintain another cruiser *; in the New Zealand division of the 1 Royal Navy; (2) we will provide sulfi- ’ cient aeroplanes to defend our eouni try and sufficient equipment, to ser- ’ vice, such machines. Wo will provide > facilities for training an increasing > number of young pilots, members of • the air force, and of the territorial ' air force. Wp will build up a wireless and radio corps with the object of i keeping abreast with science of rapid s communication. (3) We will develop ' our voluntary land forces into a liigh- • ly efficient and mobile force, capable i of putting up effective defence in the , event of attack. We will restore the > status of recently-dismembered terri- > torial units, and "ensure that members ■ of the "military forces have tlie priviP 1 ege of serving with the colours of oiir l historic regiments with their glori-. “ ous traditions. We will give liberal c-amp pay and allowances and special - Privileges for efficiency in service 5 (4) We vib encourage as complemen- ; fury and essential to an efficient de- - fence scheme, voluntary organisation . of women and girls trained in nursf * a £ l Y>d # first'aid and services supple* > mentary to fighting forces. (5) In the i event of war, the National Party will ; mobilise the resources of the coun- - try, both men and money. No inhabi- ' taut oi New Zealand will be allowed to } exploit his fellow citizen. 5 " THE RAILWAYS. , . . We believe that , aq efficient; and. > 'modern railway service is an essential ! part of our national transport system. We believe ‘that 'tile communify will be best served by the maintenance of a properly co-ordinated i ami privately-owned" road transport I service, complementary to that pro- . vided by (railways. We will assure r private services in all branches of , transport that are required by the • people reasonable opportunities of pro- ' v *diug up-to-date services. Whatever regulation may be necessary will be i designed for the purpose of giving I the public the best service possible, I i aiid fair treatment to all branches of I transport. We will amend the present I Inu! that constitutes the Minister of j 5 ,%9 us Pbrt as a final court of appeal '

from decisions of tlie transport licen* j sin’g authorities, rjatod will restore :to those concerned this right of app'eal to a properly constituted appeal authority. TAXATION. We stand for reduction of taxation, so-that enterprise may be encouraged, ■ industries established and living costs reduced. We believe that the smallest amount of taxation possible should be collected, consistent with the efficient carrying on of the proper functions of democratic government. The best means of encouraging industry and enterprise and of increasing permanent and useful employment among the people is to leave as much spending power as possible in the hands of those earning moneys si) | . / roadlng.

We agree our rural reading finance system has reached a stage when jna|htena|ice-cliarges. should . not he r if (? d I*o largely bv the. farming community. With a. view to easing the increasing burden of road rates, we will give effect to a resolution carried at the. recent annual County conference to the effect that County Council rates for roads other than highways be subsidised on a basis of £ for .£, instead of as at present. Sudsidy for highways will remain as at present. RESERVE BANK CONTROL.

The .National Party realises the great valur- of- the Reserve Bank as an integral part of our banking and financial system. .We will retain the Government ownership of the bank’s capital, and while the bank is always subject. to Parliament," we realise that success in public finance can be achieved only by the closest cooperation between the bank and the Government. PUBLIC WORKS.

In prosperous times public Works should be limited to works of a developmental and reproductive character. We will develop such public works as will stand up to the test of national usefulness, and the work will he done wherever possible on a system of co-operative contracts, and payment will he based on standard rates. We will not continue The present policy of taking workers out of productive employment in primary industries. ■-

The public works already commenc’d will be completed, with aIU reasonable expedition, and by the use of the aiost modern equipment available. unemployment; v f The solution, of the unemployment’ problem lies in the ability of out in-! dustries, both primary and ■manufacturing, to absorb our workless population back into productive employment, and our administration, as a government, will'''be based on that

fundamental truth. Private- enter-

prises must be encouraged and assisted to find increased employment. Until such time as our unemployed can be, absorbed back into industry, we will continue the unemployment relief as at present. All money expended on relief r works,should,be productive of useful public assets. The, National Party gives full recognition to great services rendered to the nation by returned soldiers. We realised that, with passage,of time, many cases of hardship'develop which may not be fully covered -by existing provisions. We will at; all times deal most sympathetically with these new problems as they: arise. We will develop to the full the re-

sources in Land and man power of trie Maori people. We will improve the status of the native race, and give its members equal .opportunities with

the pakeha, with whom, they share nationhood. We. are intimately aware of grievances, of a number . of. tribes of the Maori race. It will be our duty to call them into our confidence thoroughly to investigate their problems, and to ensure them justice. Housing will be provided at reduced' costs. Craftsmanship of the Maori will be developed in technical pursuits/ and more * vigorous measures will be taken with regard to native health. . petroleum royalties. ..., We will amend the Petroleum Aqt by making provision for property owners to receive one half of the royalties that will be payable under the Act. This will maintain to the native race the spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi. LAW COURTS. We claim that courts of justice play a most important part in the preservation of rights and liberties of the individual in every British democracy. We view with alarm actions of the Government in taking ,away from; individuals their traditional right ot appeal to our courts, and substituting .the right of appeal to Cabinet Ministers. We undertake to restore to every individual the right of appeal' to courts, and will oppose every! action, whether lesgislative or administrative, which tends to limit jurisdiction of our . courts, or which seeks to deprive the individual of Ills right of appeal to our courts of justice.

EDUCATION. We believe democracy can only be maintained by a fiep independent, educated people, and that children are the greatest .a.sset of . e ,T ery nation, fn view of .rapid prpgr.ess that is made each year , in. .fhe world., of scientific knowledge and. invention, we must see our children are provided with the. best possible educational equipment 1 for the battle of life. We will encourage and 'develop' kindergartens. We Will maintain the present entry and leaving school ages. We will extend tile work of the correspondence school, and provide further facilities for seeondarv and technical education in country; districts. Wc will provide facilities for adult education. Welfare of children must bo the first consider-' alidn in every educational system, and, realising that the best results

I can only attained with the most effij cient teaching., staff, .we; will., consult I with the profession in an effort 'to • find solution .of these problems. \Ve will extend dental, treatment for children and increase free transport facilities to children attending"primary and - secondary schools. BROADCASTING. ... The. existing,., dual, control. , of .'the radio broadcasting services, with divided authority, duplicated equipment, and staffs, will be ended. The services , will he placed under one authority. The commercial broadcasting wills he put on a sound business footing, . . We will continue Parliamentary broadcasts. We will put a stop to abuse of radio f6r political propaganda.

We appreciate fully the ?valuable, ! work being done, by our local bodies, ! ; and will not bring about amalgamations except by votb of-the people concerned. . GOLDMINING. .. We will give the greatest possible', support to the development of the gold mining industry, and . will.as soon: fis; possible have a complete geological and: geophysical survey made of gold b6ar; j ing areas of the, Dominion. ,We. Hvill j investigate deep leads, and low grade | deposits, and give every assistance to those undertaking boring and .prospectiiig operations, and will assist in conservation of water for mining purposes. We will encourage and give' financial assistance to parties of worlv'. ing miners in development of mines, or construction of water races for min- i ing purposes. > * - FORESTRY. . Realising the value of our forests to New Zealand, we will undertake a long range forestry programme -with the object of preserving in perpetuity » those indigenous forests that are such I an asSet to our scenic resorts, hnd hec J f’f-sarv for preservation of our native bird life; conservation of existing forests on steep hillsides and on mountain country, where destruction of forest' may lead to flooding and soil erosion • j planting with suitable forest trees of s'mh areas of non-agricultural land as shall he necessary to maintain an ample supply of timber; the future regeher- ’ ation, wherever possible, of many of our indigenous forests; and the plant* 1 itig of. such areas as are necessary to protect bur , agricultural land from , flooding and erosion; the education of, ! the people in the value of; our foi’ost s and the necessity for their preservation, and assistance of local bodies hnd individuals to nfforestate all areas , that are considered suitable for : sueh . ptirnoses. ■ i'■ ■: *■

We fully realise the great asset New ■Zealand possesses in her tourist resorts We will develop these to the full, and will co-operate with all branches of, :the services to cater for our tourist traffic. ASSISTED IMMIGRATION.

We, realise our first .duty is .to our own .people. We realise,, also, an urgent need of increased population.. We will encourage and assist suitable immigrants of British and European stock.

SOCIAL WELFARE. We will establish a special Ministry of Social. Welfare having for its special objeef the well-being .. o£ the youth, women, and children of nation. The new Ministry will co-operate with those many, voluntary Welfare organisations 'having for their objective, the. welfare improved health, and happiness of women and children: Particular attention will be paid to the adolescent period in which helpful guidance and understanding can be of such immense. value in after life. We believe that by closely co-operating With ,’the organisations referred to, many of the problems could be solved. Th,q Ministry of Social Welfare will inaugurate a national-wide “physical fatness” campaign to improve greatly . the. pliysiq ue of the people, and equip them to withstand modern conditions, which bring' about sp much sickness’ and suffering because of their inability to, resist. A pompetent advisory body will be appointed to inform the Government on means of prevent-, ing sickness and disease, or improving health, and of more healthy living. A ’comprehensive nutrition survey will be undertaken, so a s to advise the people 'on the alLimportant question of “eating fb r good health.’’

NO SOCIAL SECURITY ACTI .On becoming the Government, the! National Party will hot operate the recently passed Social Security Act. The Party, instead will provide all pensions existing prior to the passdug of the Act. In addition to their existing pensions, provision will be made for a universal superannuation scheme, and complete health service for those .who cannot pay, pensions for widows, pensions for orphans, a free maternity service, and liberalised family allowances. The effect of this ivill . be: ( a ) No increase in the wage tax; (b) women will not be required to register; (c) sixteen year-old persons will not have to register or td Pay the wage tax; (d) dofnestics will be exempt from the wage tax; < v e) women having income other. than wages not exceeding £250 per annum to be exempt from the unemployment •tax.

The National Party will provide a full and complete health service, without charge, to that' section of the community that is .unable to provide ■sndli service for itself. These people will include aged poor, those in necessitous circumstances,, and those whose incomes make it impossible to provide medical services out of their own resources. We believe that it is much more important 'to provide complete medical service for those who need it and must have it, but cannot afford it, than it is to provide partial service for all people, many, of whom, do not require it, and do not want it/ We acknowledge, splendid services W mg rendered by friendly societies in New Zealand, • and. ’will''‘protect tlierry ana co-operate with them in their

work. ! We will -inaugurate- a well--pntnhed; nschemeb'.to''•'greatly., increase- ’ physical fitness of ‘the people . in; at confident belief that much of - the ■ sick-. 1 ness suffered to-dav is preventable by more healthy living. Wc will , set up a competent advisory body to study i* j on suchv matters.; as •■ nutrition of the • people, and, the best .nieans. of attackj ing the heedlessly' high: incidence of common and preventable disorders suffered by the people. NATIONAL SUPERANNUATION *■ v.. PRAISED!, % . The National. Party supports - the L [ principle of national superannuation, .1 but,holds that such funds should be , ..•idministered as.. a separate trust, entirely independent: Of. the .ordinary : Government finances. A scheme should ,be financed by direct contributions from income, entitling every -person 1 .to . benefits . under,- the ... scheme' on reaching a stipulated, age, and without any other income ior-, property "means test” -whatever. Those;persons, . including State..employees and,fothers. in private superannuation .schemes, j wno liave.madC, provision for,-their own 1 j sec%ity -fhboldvf agC? a provision at ■ least as adequate , as prqvdded in; ,the St-ate. scheme,, shall be. exempt from any, ,to subscribe, to-, the State scheme; but they .shall, be fen- ■ titled to - the benefits, of the State schepie.'if-Alley subscribe ■ voluntarily, . -

, • TAX CUTS PROMISED. ; The. National .Party will, wherever possible, reduce taxation. W e 'Will reduce the petrol tax by at least; a penny ■ per. gajlon,. "Vye,-will, exempt fydm.'iinemployment taxation, the wages and . salaries of all >yo.men,,;and ;the “other income” of women,. provided-it does not exceed £2SU. We will exempt pensioners, relief workers.,, ,siifitoo , ’n''a men, persons under twenty year 3 of age ? and domestic workers. With a,, view, to. stimulating low grade, gold hearing, areas, we will abolish the export tax .on gold.. , Radio liceiise ’.fees will be reduced fiom Yfisito los per annum, ' v-' ALLEGATION AGAINST GOVERN- ... , . ... i MENT,, \ There are fundamental,. differences between, the, two contending -parties. On the one hand,the Labour,.Party is rmt .to break down, .and destroy the . existing economic order. It, Is. 6ut to • substitute in, -its .place a,-system based oil! the of,, unadulterated revolutionary socialism, , -with"' "-State ownership of property: arid;- of industry rand’-trade, and -theidirection 'of ’’ its' • Operationally the ; !workers ''thems;elyes. ; ■ -They seek,-.to destroy . [private''' invest- .. meflt in industry; by ■faxfiig it outi of existence, rajtid..removing all incentive to invest money. iii industry. . On . the t other Naribnal lieves.in the present system of private j enterprise, and seeks to develop' it in [ accordance with a philosophy of per- . sonal. freedom, initiative, thrift,. jand- ; private ownership of all property,'with ‘ the right of investments to earn- a . . reasonable, return commensurate, “with, the nature ,of the' investment "and the risk involved. The National Par’ty regards, the Government as gii authority;''; to see that reasonable. conditions are ; obseryed. Air the, conduct 'of tradeJ. and -.i industry^'and that abiises ifiimicaT to : public interest are. not .permitted".' , I Wherever possible the Government • | should cooperate with private enterprise witli a" view to providing [even better service ! ; to the people, ''TK&'--real i issues are private ownership Or State ownership, individual freedom Or Statp * dictation. • t '■'