COUNTRY PARTY’S POLITICAL PLATFORM.

Northland Age, Volume 25, Issue 16, 13 August 1925, Page 2

COUNTRY PARTY’S POLITICAL PLATFORM.

(I) Land Settlement, (a) That the optional system for the disposal of Crown Lands be adhered to. (b) That the National Endowments where same are retarding settlement should be disposed of under the optional system, the proceeds to be re-invested in more suitable properties. (c) That unused land, by whomsoever held, native or otherwise, which is required for settlement, should be taken over by the State on equitable terms and settled. (2) Immigration. That a vigorous policy be instituted to induce a large number of well-selected immigrants to settle in New Zealand, and that full advantage be taken of the Imperial Immigration Scheme. (3) Roading. (a) We support the present Highways Act, which establishes the principle that the user pays. (b) The absolute necessity that the Government provides adequate transport facilities in outlying districts. (4) Finance. That in addition to the State Advances Department, a properly constituted Agricultural Bank be established so that an adequate amount of capital may be available for primary producers at the lowest rate of interest. (5) Political. (a) That to ensure that eacln member of Parliament snail been elected by a majority of votes, the elections should be conducted under the preferential voting system.

(b) That the Upper House should be elected as provided for by the law now on the Statute Book. (6) Educational. Tnat adequate provision be made for the needs of the people, more particularly in respect to primary education, and that greater consideration be given to agricultural education. (7) Taxation. (a) That all customs duties of a protective nature be gradually reduced, so as to cease altogether i* ten years, assistance to industries to be in the form ot bonuses. (b) That the railway tariff should not be used for protective purposes. (c) That the divided profits at firms and companies should, for income tax purposes, be included in the income of the individuals receiving same, and that tiie present company tax be repealed forthwith. (8) Commercial. That there should be no interference by the Government with the prices, or with trade and commerce generally, except such as may be required to assist in developing markets for our produce, or in combating trusts and combines acting to the detriment of the general welfare. (9) Public Expenditure.

That a close watch be kept on public expt.iditure so as to keep, it as low as poss ibief Luff®'!s'lOTt withv efficiency, to ensure that taxation may be reduced to a reasonable level. (10) Defence. We uphold the territorial system of compulsory military and .physical training for youths, and support the principle of an adequate contribution to an Imperial Navy. (11) Public Health. That more assistance be given to maternity homes and nurses, particularly in outlying districts.