A POLITICAL MANIFESTO.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 12756, 31 March 1914, Page 6

A POLITICAL MANIFESTO.

The following manifesto has been issued by the Progressive Liberal and Labour Association of Canterbury: — OBJECTS. The objects of the Association are to unite the progressive political forces for — (a) The purpose of returning to power a party pledged to retain the privileges already won; and (b) To initiate other progressive reforms for the uplifting and benefit of the masses of the people, and in particular — LAND. To resist any attempt to filch from the people the national and all other endowments and reserves. To compel subdivision of large estates to the utmost limits of profitable occupation. The amendment of the Lands for Settlement Act with a view to permitting any person depositing one halfyear's rent in advance to participate in the ballot. That no native lands shall be sold, except to the Government of New Zealand. Increase of the graduated land tax. To conserve the fast diminishing forests so as to supply the needs of the people in the future. Prior to the construction of railways through unsettled country, the Government- to acquire the land that would be directly benefited. Land Boards to be elected on the Parliamentary franchise. STATE ENTEEPEISES.

The development of the iron ore and other mineral deposits by State enterprise. The immediate extension of the principle of State ownership and working of coal deposits, and transport and distribution of same. The nationalisation of the ferry service between the North and South Islands. A State bank with sole right of note issue. The conservation and use by the State of the water-power of the Dominion for the benefit of the people. HUMANITARIAN. The right of every child to free education to the highest extent of which it is capable, with free books and requisites where necessary. The right of every person to free medical assistance and legal advice in eases of necessity. An invalidity pension. i Establishment of a superannuation scheme assisted by the State, for the benefit of the employees of all local bodies, and provision for a national superannuation scheme to embrace workers outside of the State and local bodies.

Such t amendments of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, Shops and Offices and Mining and Factory Acts, as may be necessary to improve the conditions of those engaged in the various industries.

Reduction of old age pensions limit to ai?ty years of age for men, and fifty-five years for women. Increase of widows' pensions. MISCELLANEOUS.

- order to reduce the cost of living, all articles of common necessity now taxed, and which cannot be manufactured in the Dominion, to .be admitted duty free. A revision of the Customs Tariff in order to afford better protection for such industries as are capable of being successfully manufactured in New Zealand. To use the national revenue and credit to defeat monopoly and reduce the cost of living. Extension of the Progressive Income Tax. To fix a minimum wage in the public services that would react on all public and private services and employments. The restoration of direct Parliamentary control and responsibility over all public services. To secure legislation that will ensure majority representation. The proposal to establish a local navy to be opposed.