The Times SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1943. National Party Policy

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 210, 4 September 1943, Page 4

The Times SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1943. National Party Policy

Hus New Zealand at any election held in the past thirty years had another policy of such all-round merit as that issued by the National Party on this occasion—a policy in the true traditions of 1 liberalism 1 It is a modern version and one in keeping with the humanitarianism of this age in New Zealand, with the increase in the spheres of. governmental activities necessitated by twentieth century developments and war exigencies. And yet it is a policy which permits that individualism so essential if freedom is to mean more than an empty word. The dual purpose of this policy is to unshackle the creative energies and enterprise of the people, and at the same time to safeguard from misfortune those whom fate I reals unkindly. Neither man, woman nor child, of whatever station in life, need fear such a policy. There are given two definite assurances—that wages will not be reduced and that pensions will be maintained at current levels. Inevitably there is found much of similarity between the National policy and that of Labour and, incidentally, in the Independent Party’s policy. So, too, lias every horse four legs, but whereas one is a Kindergarten, another is just a hack. And while in this policy there may be some seeming and some real parallels, they are as different from Labour as is cheese from chalk. Above all, the National policy raises freedom’s standard ns opposed to the policy of bureaucracy and regimentation. There is promised a respect for man’s individual personality. It‘ the word Conservative is to be applied to this policy, then that word is likewise applicable to the Ten Commandments, which have been unchanging in two thousand years. In one desirable way, however, the word is applicable, for there is a proper caution in the extent of promises made. All are practical and capable of realisation. There is good honesty in the avoidance of “easy money” creeds. No currency and credit juggling is hold forth and no £100,000,000 loans. That which is to lie must be paid for and the fact must be faced up to. Some changes of high consequence will take some time to implement. There is a war on and that must largely govern the actions of whatever government may be in power. That a most active and efficient prosecution of the war effort would he made by a National Government seems almost unnecessary to mention. The really important point here is not the will to do but the capability. Certain points raised in the policy give assurance of this; notably the indication of a manpower policy and the desire for strict control to avoid wastage in the Services and, too, in other governmental operations. In the sphere of direct action oil the internal front, the keynote of the policy is centred about the home. Here is veritably a “home” .policy—to expand home building and to give ownership opportunity for all. Another section aims to improve home facilities and living conditions for the family in several practical ways. The burden of taxes on the family breadwinner is to be eased, living costs are to be reduced by the elimination of the Marketing Department octopus, domestic service will be fostered and installation of home labour-saving devices arc to be aided by reduced prices for these. There is altogether so much of real worth in this new and vital policy that only portions can be here considered individually. The primary industries and land sections of it come particularly to mind. Suffice to say meanwhile that here again is that honesty of purpose shown, the reference being to the control upon boom price returns. The policy will not please two widely apart sections of the community—the die-hard Conservatives who will say it is altogether too liberal, and the die-hard Labourite who will be unable to see any good in it because it comes not from his own side. But to the average citizen this is a policy of sound appeal, promising a freer and fuller life. He has nothing to fear from il. A party and leader which can produce such a policy are surely competent to govern the Dominion.