National Party Election Platform

Northern Advocate, 28 October 1949, Page 7

National Party Election Platform

Questions Of The Day

Maori Affairs

Industrial Relations

Manufacturing Industry

Women And Children

Works

Taxation And Finance

Marketing

Constitutional

The Legislative Council should be abolished and the party will examine possible alternatives to provide for some form of safeguard against hasty, unwise, or ill-considered legislation. The British White Paper system will be introduced.

The Electoral Act will be amended to provide that the total population be the standard . for determining the boundaries 'of each electorate.

Eight of inheritance will be strictly preserved. The possibilities of introducing a written constitution will be examined, and, if possible, adopted.

(1) Cost of Living: The party regards the ever-rising cost of living as the most important internal question of the day and will deal effectively with the basic causes which it attributes to inflation, taxation, the lack of incentives, the interference and dictatorial attitude of the state, profit, price .and property control, import control, union interference and lack of firm action in • dealing with industrial troubles. (2) Imperial Preference and Empire trade to be safeguarded. (3) Workers' Compensation Insurance: State monopoly to be repealed and private enterprise competition restored. , (4) Compulsory union levies for party political purposes to be abolished. (3) Capital Punishment: Free vote in Parliament on restoration of capital and corporal punishment in appropriate cases, (6) Imprisonment:,Practice of early release of those sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes Of a grave oh revolting nature to be reversed. . (7) Communism and Subversion: Laws to be strengthened and enforced fearlessly. Known Communists will be barred from holding key positions in the Public Service. (8) Moscow Legation to be closed. (91 Special representation on harbour boards to be abolished. x (10) Superannuation for members of Parliament to be made self-support-ing. (11) Price control to be abolished as shortages are overcome. (12) Land Sales Act (other than farm lands): De-cOntrol building sections, commercial buildings, business and shopkeeper goodwill, residences where the sale price exceeds £3OOO, any property where- the' sale price does pot, exceed £750. All disputed compensation for land taken compulsorily to be determined by the Compensation Court under the Public Works Act, Expiry* date for act to be determined. ** (13) Tenancy Act: The time limit On the owner’s right of obtaining possession of his own property for his own occupation to be progressively reduced. New properties, in cases where the rent has been approtod by the Department.of Labour, tp be free from restrictive provisions as to the owner's right of obtaining possession. Housing

. Houses built to approved plans and specifications during the next three years, oi’«new homes purchased for personal occupation by the ownei- or a farm worker, * and not exceeding £2OOO in value, exclusive of the dost of the section, will qualify for a free-of-interest Government suspensory loan of 10 per cent. After a house has been occupied by the owner for a period of seven years the loan will be cancelled, but no such house may be sold within 10 years without first having been offered to the Government. Erection of state rental houses will be continued and there will be no increase in rents. Tenants wishing to purchase the homes they occupy will be permitted td do so at valuation and on easy terms. Departmental houses will be erected for public servants subject to transfer. People in the lower income \ groups will be encouraged by financial aid to build homes. As an experiment, for two years, the. difference between overtime and ordinary rates of pay for approved house-building and ancillary services will be absorbed by the Government. Loans to ex-servicemen will be increased from £I6OO to £2OOO, inclusive df any suspensory loan. fiullding societies, local bodies and similar institutions will be guaranteed against loss due to lifting advances to the level of 90 per cent for civilians and 100 per cent for servicemen. A mortgage insurance scheme will have a nominal premium to provide cover to repay the mortgage in the event of the death of the breadwinner. In the event of the death of either hlisband or wife, the family home will pass to the survivor without payment of gift, death or succession duties, which will be payable only after the death of both husband and wife. Special provision will be made for. training Maori workers in house construction. Suitable housing for elderly people will be given high priority. Measures will be introduced to encourage owners of large premises to let them, or portion of them. Loans on eaky terms will be available lor building complete or partlyfinished homes, especially in country districts, Renovation loans will be available, particularly in country areas, for the installation of modern amenities. National savings will be accepted as deposits on all housing purchases. Local bodies will be encouraged to operate' the Rural Housing Act, and advances will be increased from £l5O to £2000: rural workers’ homes will be provided either through state lending institutions of by stale rental houses; houses built on farms during the next three years, whether lor personal occupation by the owner or for farm workers, will qualify for the suspensory loan; and a system of prefabrication will'-be instituted. Primary Production,

The party's policy is to provide tor the marketing of primary produce by boards on which there will be a majority of producer representatives 'elected by the producers. Prices will be fixed by the industry and the Government through an independent tribunal, where desired, and will be guaranteed by the Government. If producers wish, the Internal Marketing Division will be handed over, as quickly as possible without disorganising trade, to producer cooperative organisations prepared to undertake the present functions of the IMD.

Regarding town milK supply, the Central Milk Council will have equal numbers of producers' and consumers’ representatives and will have power to fix prices.

' The subsidy on the transport of lime will be maintained, and an attempt will be made to reduce the price of superphosphate to all farmers. A transport subsidy on fertiliser, similar to the lime subsidy, will be proposed. The aim will be to seek agreement with the producers' organisation to meet half the t cost of such subsidies from.the Primary Produce Stabilisation Accounts and half from, the Government Stabilisation Account.

If no agreement is reached, the Government will provide at least half of such proposed subsidies. A marginal lands organisation will be established and adequate finance will be provided for the rehabilitation of such land.

- Finance, up to 90 per cent of the money required, will be advanced to assist approved farm workers, sharemilkers, etc., to acquire farms. Other points are: Expansion of veterinary services, correspondence courses and farm schools to assist farmers, every encouragement to young farmers’ clubs, school calf clubs, etc.; investigation into the practicability of crop insurance; steps to combat soil erosion; expenditure on approved farm plantation schemes, including fencing, to be exempt from taxation; speedingup of rural electrical reticulation. Land Settlement

The party aims at increasing the number of free, prosperous, and independent farmers owning their own land and will press forward with the development and settlement of Crown lands where available, or of lands acquired by negotiation. Tenures will be optional: Freehold, leasehold, or-share-farming. Vigorous measures will be made to complete the settlement of ex-service-men, and, as settlement proceeds, land sales control will' be tapered off and eventually abolished. Land sales legislation will be overhauled to give justice to urban and rural property owners as follows:

Soldier settlement at 1942 values, any difference- in cost spread over the whole community; provision for valuing on hypothetical values and for valuing on “average efficient farmer” to be abolished; 1942 values to be replaced with present-day values; replacement costs of improvements, less depreciation, will be provided for; special, and locality, values; capitalisation at 4 per cent instead of 4| per cent; right to retain a family-sized farm, not merely an economic unit, to be restored.

The share-farming scheme is an extension of the sharemilking plan, but enable's a settler to secure a farm of his own without Initial capital.

Industries which can comply with reasonable standards of efficiency will be fully safeguarded and encouraged. The policy of the present Government in keeping the Dominion short of funds in London necessitates continuation of- import control for some time, but its operations Will be overhauled by a board of trade to remove many • injustices and anomalies. It is proposed to establish a board of trade, free from, political control, to perform all normal functions of a tariff board and as an advisory authority to the Government on: Tariff questions; in conjunction with the Reserve Bank, the allocation of overseas funds; the best method of overhauling and simplifying the system of allocating import licences; and the maintenance of full employment. Small owner-operated industries, small shopkeepers and small manufacturers, small farmers and small traders generally will be encouraged and guaranteed adequate protection against unfair practices or monopolies. Facilities will be provided for private traders to operate in state housing areas.

Where industrial licensing is desirable, it will be nrovided for in separate legislation in each case, and not by Order-in-Council or under the blanket provisions of the Industrial Efficiency Act.

The present form of price control will be dispensed with on all goods in reasonable supply. 1

The party believes that by overtaking shortages the price control can be repealed. Special encouragement will be given to industries using New Zealand materials.

The guiding principle of. monetary policy will be the establishment and maintenance of a stable internal price level. Responsibility for the issue anrl control of currency will be divorced from political control. The present provision giving the Government power, through the Minister of Finance, to dictate policy to Ihe Reserve Rank will be repealed, and anv difference between the Government and the bank will be determined bv Parliament. ■ While a reduction in the burden of taxation is in the forefront of the party's policy, it is not possible to say what taxes and to what extent taxation can be reduced.

THE National Party is a, nation-wide political organisation offering the only alternative to Socialism and Communism. It believes that human progress, spiritually, morally and economically, is best assured when private enterprise is free from state dictatorship. This is stated in the election manifesto of the New Zealand National Party, which was released for publication today. The party, it states, seeks to build a country m which everyone can enjoy a life ot happiness, good health, security and freedom, and to that end it devotes itself to; Work for the benefit of the people as a whole, and not just for sectional interests. Restore and preserve an economy founded on private ownership and management, freedom, equality of justice and opportunity, service to the public, fair competition and rewards, with special privilege for none. Inculcate in the rising generation love of country and Empire and the virtues of honesty, goodwill to all people, and moderation in all things. Encourage and reward thrift, enterprise,- industry and self-reliance. Care for, generously and sympathetically, those in need. Main points from the manifesto are published on this page.

Guiding principle of tax reduction will be to: Reduce the cost of living, restore incentives, remove penalties on thrift and self-reliance; remove injustices, reduce the cost of production; encourage independence and enterprise, allow "ploughing back’’ earnings into industry for expansion and growth: leave as much money as possible in the hands of those who earn it.

People over 60 will have the first £3OO exempt from income taxation.

The first £3OO of taxable unearned income of those) over 60 will be regarded as earned income and taxed at the lower rate.

Wages of home helpers up to £3 a week will be exempt from wages taxation.

Social security benefits will not be affected by earnings for domestic service.

Sales tax will be removed from work-saving appliances used in the home.

Income tax and wages tax on approved overtime employment will not exceed the taxation payable had the taxpayer received ordinary rates instead of overtime rates. The entire system of taxation, including tax on tax, will be investigated.

With a view to the eventual abolition of hospital rating on lapd, rates levied on land for hospital purposes will not exceed the average amount payable in 1936-39

Main industrial objectives are: Full employment, harmony and goodwill, increased production, higher real earnings and lower consumer prices; better quality; a stronger system of compulsory conciliation and arbitration.

Independently supervised secret ballots will be provided to decide: Compulsory or voluntary unionism, strike issues, and the election of union officials.

Fullest support and cooperation will be given to schemes of profit-sharing, co-partnership, premium bonuses and other systems designed to increase earnings and production. There will be improved facilities for the quick hearing of disputes, provision for compulsory conferences, adequate penalties enforceable by law, and fearless and impartial enforcement of the law.

Assistance for women's organisations sponsoring suitable immigrants for domestic. worki

Residential hostels' for children whose if others are ill, and also for training fin homecraft. A sp*/jial Minister to deal with the interests of women and children.

Investigation and removal of causes resulting in the closing uf private maternity hospitals.

Extension of Plunket, Karitane, kindergarten and creche systems up to school age, including Maoris. Regular dental and medical overhauls for children. Rest and Convalescent hostels. Social Security

The system will toe overhauled to make for smoother working and to remove injustices and anomalies. The allowable interne for age beneficiaries will be increased to £l/10/- a week without reduction in benefit.

Those qualified to receive age benefits, but who prefer to remain in employment for a period, will have their age benefits increased by 2/6 a week for each year they delay their application for the benefit. Health

The party promises a complete reorganisation of the hospital system, and favours a new system based on regional control and decentralisation.

Other points are: More adequate provision, especially in Ihe smaller centres, for maternity hospitals; provision of specialist treatment, including maternity specialists; improvement of facilities for treatment of mental disorders: special attention to prevent pulmonary diseases and infantile mortality among Maoris; vigorous' antituberculosis campaign in town-milk herds; radiography for industrial recruits.

Extended provision is proposed for immunisation. remedial treatment centres, school X-ray, medical and denial overhaul. # and health camp schemes. Education

The general aim is "education for citizenship in a democracy." and the main plans are: Status, salary and conditions of teachers, including housing, to be comparable with those of other professions-

On the latest published figures there was a surplus of £11.000.000. The party is convinced that there is a large reserve of uncollected taxation; that there is room for a substantial reduction in taxation without impairing efficiency: and that there is a great deal of wasteful expenditure. The party undertakes to stop all wasteful expenditure and to reduce taxation to the greatest possible extent consistent with its pledge to maintain social security, wage and salary rates, and to the Civil Service.

Present education trends to be surveyed. As much decentralisation as possible and recognition and encouragement of the work of school committees, parent-teacher associations, _ and other agencies. Present facilities for voluntary religious education to be safeguarded.

Size of classes to be reduced by vigorous building programme and more teachers. Pre-school activities to be encouraged. Rural education to be encouraged, with a view to creating appreciation of farming as a way of life. Civil Service

Rights and privileges of all civil servants to be preserved, and their remuneration to be comparable with that paid in private enterprise. Existing rights of appeal to be maintained. and appointments and promotion by political patronage to cease.

Existing political rjghts to be preserved. Where civil servants may become surplus, because of the relaxing or repeal of controls, excess personnel will be transferred to make up shortages in other departments.

Because of the considerable retirement from the service each year on account of death, retirement, resignation, marriage and other ; causes, the service could reduce its own numbers without a single person being dismissed and without reducing the normal flow of juniors wishing to enter the service. Transport

Rail, sea, air and road transport will be coordinated under a reconstituted transport board, free from political dictation. So far as civil aviation is concerned, it is proposed to: Reorganise the National Airways Corporation into a public corporation by offering a portion of the capital (not to exceed >l9 per cent) for public subscription. License private enterprise to operate in appropriate cases subsidiary services and to encourage aero clubs to undertake and run charter, taxi and feeder services. Establish in each island an aerodrome of international standard. Provide financial aid to aero clubs.

The railway system will be investigated to discover and remedy the present rapid deterioration in service and the heavy and progressive increase in working loss. Where the railways are unable to handle the traffic expeditiously, licensed motor transport, preferably by private enterprise and small operators, will be provided for.

To enable operators to provide the best type of equipment, road-transport licences will be issued for a longer period than at present.

No reduction of social security, family allowance, wages or pensions. Special attention to health, with provision for training a greater number of Maori doctors and nurses.

Preservation of Maori arts and crafts, music and poetry, the Maori language, history and traditions.

Promotion of the teaching of the Maori language and history in the primary and secondary schools, and the establishment of a chair in Maori and Polynesian studies at one of the universities.

Education in all section- of primary industries to be a leading feature of Maori education policy. A special vocational guidance branch to be established. Assistance for the establishment of Maori community centres. Better housing. and facilities for training Maoris -in house-building and other trades.

Maori owners’ interest in the fee simple of land to be preserved and protected. Every encouragement and reasonable financial assistance for land development. Consolidation of Maori owners’ interests in lands comprised in development schemes to be speeded up generally. Owners will be paid adequate rent and • occupiers given a secure tenure.

Maori- servicemen qualified to lake up farming .to ne given full opportunity of acquiring any leases which come before Maori land courts.

Outstanding Maori claims (land and otherwise) to be the subject of early investigation and settlement by a competent tribunal.

Large-scale migration to towns and cities to be avoided and assistance given to projects for the establishment of industries in centres of Maori population.

The long-range programme of works envisaged is:

Electricity: Completion of existing works at the earliest, possible moment; auxiliary generating plants; increased provision for rural reticulation; investigation of resources in the South sounds area. Airports of international standards at Auckland and Christchurch. Railways: Pokeno-Paeroa; NelsonMurchison; Rimutaka • Tunnel; new stations at Christchurch, Hastings and Frankton; Palmerston North deviation: investigation into best means of communication between Marawai and Taneatua.

Other works: Auckland Harbour bridge; alternative .road outlets to Auckland and Wellington; vigorous development of sound irrigation schemes; Lyttelton tunnel-road; Waitaki traffic bridge. Other Points

Defence: The party will do everything possible to ensure that the operation of the. military training scheme is of the greatest benefit to the men themselves and to the community iri general.

Rehabilitation: Every effort will be made to expedite the building of homes and the subdivision and settlement of land acquired or under development by the state.

Tourists: It is believed that a properly organised tourist trade would bo worth £10.000.000 a year.

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