Rights of People Must be Protected From Labour Policy

Northern Advocate, 13 June 1939, Page 6

Rights of People Must be Protected From Labour Policy

—MR S. G. HOLLAND

[Special to “Northern Adyocafle”] KERIKERI, This Day,

“THHERE HAS GOT TO BE SOME PLAIN TALKING IN THIS COUNTRY AND BEFORE LONG A POLITICAL PARTY WILL HAVE TO STAND UP AND DEMAND THE PEOPLE'S RIGHTS,” REMARKED MR S. G. HOLLAND, OPPOSITION M.P. FOB CHRISTCHURCH NORTH, WHEN ADDRESSING A WELL-ATTENDED PUBLIC MEETING AT KERIKERI LAST NIGHT.

Mr Holland contended that the public should be able to do what it wished with its money, resources .and time, instead of having its individual freedom curtailed by the Government.

Labour’s policy was to make the people slaves of the State; the National Party desired to restore initiative, enterprise, industry, and’ self-reliance, he declared.

Facts and Statements Inconsistent

Although the Government claimed that there were only 775 men unemployed in the Dominion, the Christchurch City Council alone had found work fbr 800 men chipping weeds. One of the National Party’s principal undertakings would be to cushion the effects of the depression years by husbanding the country’s resources in times of prosperity. Referring to Public Works Department undertakings, Mr Holland contended that these should be curtailed in times of prosperity and expanded in times of depression. This department;;; he said, was competing with 'primary production, and was offering higher wages than were 'being paid to farmworkers. Nevertheless, Mr Holland was averse to reducing wages to remedy the present position. He believed, how-ever,"-.’that efficiency could be increased, and idleness should be prevented from becoming more attractive than employment. Misguided Policy. Labour’s policy of spending was a misguided one, went on Mr Holland. Instead of encouraging production, this was being discouraged, and inefficiency was being winked at. Increased, costs were harassing farmers. Railways were completely overstaffedi he maintained. Between 1934 and 1938 there had been ,a reduction of 35 ill the number of railway locomotives in&the Dominion, but in the same period the staff in the Locomotive Department had been increased by 3232.

“Why is it, after the greatest three years of prosperity ever experienced by this country that we should be facing the present financial crisis?” the speaker asked. He explained that the situation was, jointly due to the fact that the present Government was taking no notice of past experience, and that the Government was comprised of political experimentalists. Production Essential Mr Holland stressed the point that it was impossible for New Zealand to prosper unless production was maintained. He said that 84 per cent, of the butter, 97 per cent, of the yool and 92 per cent, of the lamb produced in New Zealand was exported. “At present,” he said, “the butchers who are employed to slaughter beef are receiving £l3 10/- per week, and the man who works every day of the week to produce the beef receives’ £3 10/- per. week.” I Mr Holland contended that there was too much talk of class distinction in the Labour Party’s ranks, and pointed out that only 15 per cent, of the people of New Zealand have incomes of over £SOO per year. “There is no room for class distinction,” he emphasised. Tribute to Minister. “Mr Semple has done a marvellous job in endeavouring to make the roads safe for users,” Mr Holland said, “and he has also done a tremendous amount of good public works, but, unfortunately, at a great expense.” Mr Holland stressed the point that large numbers of men had left; farms for work with the Public Works Department and said that in June, 1938, there had been 21,553 men employed by the department, and the number had increased to 23,068 in March, 1939. In his concluding remarks, Mr Holland mentioned the Social Justice broadcasts from an Auckland station, and pointed out that there was no justice in allowing one side of a question only to be explained over the air. Mr J. R. Lyness occupied the chair, and the speaker was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.

Unemployment funds were being utilised to pay thousands of men on railway work; he said. .

Mr Holland, denied that the doctors had gone on strike. They were continuing to do their duty, he said.

Taxation Not Justified,

Continuation of taxation without the public receiving the benefits, was not right, he went on. Social services in New Zealand already cost the country £24,000,000 annually. Referring to recent reports of a split in the Labour ranks, Mr Holland declared that there was no split, but a real chasm.

“Mr Lee’s main objection is that his party has failed to keep its 1935 election promises,” he said.

Housing Scheme Failure

“One of the promises made to the electors ' was that houses were to be built for the workers, with rentals from 12/- to 16/- per week, whereas the rentals are much higher,” went on Mr Holland.

“Unfortunately the State Housing scheme has done a lot of harm. It has affected property owners m such an extent that in a recent issue of a Christchurch paper over 100 houses were offered for sale.” Landlords were also seriously affected by the Fair Rents’ Act, continued Mr. Holland.

Increased Costs

Speaking of the increased costs of living, Mr Holland said Mr Sullivan had/jpfomised to reduce the cost of living by 25 per cent, and had immediatiely proceeded to sell Australian wheat, purchased at 2/3 per bushel, to New Zealand bakers for 4/9 per bushel. *

“Last year the country’s taxation amounted to £22 7/6 for every man, woman and child in the Dominion,” Mr Holland said, “which moans that a married couple and two children pay £42 0/11 in taxation per year.