UNITED PARTY'S AIMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20080, 18 October 1928, Page 15

UNITED PARTY'S AIMS.

AUCKLAND WEST SEAT.

STRONG LAND POLICY NEEDED

ADDRESS BY MR. R. B. SPEIRS

The platform of tho United Party was reviewed by Mr. R. B. Spcirs, the candidate for Auckland West, who opened his campaign at Ilerne Bay last evening. Mr.* G. S. Casey presided over a largo attendance.

"The United Party was formed really to revive and carry into operation tlio principle of representative government," the candidate said. "We intend to restore something that has been lost. .We feel keenly that under the present -Administration representative- government has gone. The fundamental right of the people to govern themselves along con stitutional lines is one of the main themes of our subject, that the individual should have preserved the rights which pertain to him and the community the rights which naturally pertain to it." In effect this was a movement of protest against extremism in government. It was born out of the unrest brought about by the long-continued acts of interference with private enterprise, and the insecurity which every branch of commercial life justly attributed to a Ministry which was, through its inherent incompetence, too susceptible to the pressure of the monopolist. Charge of Broken Promises. Before Mr. Coates was returned to power the speaker believed New Zealnd was ready and' anxious, to a great extent, to carry out the policy enuneia.ted by the late Mr. Masseyi Mr. Coates took up the burden of leadership with a full knowledge of that policy and with a determination to proceed with it. He appealed to the electors at the last election on the ground that if returned lie would give equal opportunities to everyone, down to the most humble citizen in the country. They were still looking in vain for a fulfilment of these promises, for the professed platform had not been carried into effect. The first consideration of statesmanship in New Zealand was the land question. Those in the towns were inclined to forget they were engaged rather in tho exchange of wealth than in its production. The relation between imports and exports was the vital factor in the welfare of the country, a fact too often overlooked. In 1925 95 per cent, of the total wealth of the country was produced by tho farmers. In view of this it was not difficult to seo that any hardships suffered by the farmer immediately would be reflected upon the other industries. The United Party claimed that the lack of a stable agrarian policy was responsible in a great degree for the very unsatisfactory state, not only of the secondary or primary industries, but also of all the energies which were allied to then;. Revaluation of Land. The first solution of present difficulties would be a systematic revaluation of all lands throughout tho country. This valuation would have to be based upon tho productive capacity of the land. His party would aim at the settling of small farms. At present per cent, of those in rural areas, or about 64.000 farmers, each owned up to 320 acres; 45 per cent., or about 20,000 farmers, each owned :From 321 to 5000" acres; and 41£ per cent., or over ]OOO farmers, each owned upward of 5000 acres. One of tho chief aims of the United Party would bo to reinstitute the longdated mortgage system, payable in instalments at a reasonable interest charge, to the seettler and worker. Sir Joseph Ward had proved his worth as a financier and statesman. This was illustrated in striking fas'hion when it was stated that after an expenditure of £45,000,000 by the Reform Government, there were now 13,000 fewer settlers on the land than in 1923, whereas Sir Joseph Ward, by an expenditure of £13,000,000, had put 1000 men on the land each year for eight years. Problem of Taxation. The burden of taxation had not been eased and tho increase? had not been equitable. Referring to indirect taxation the candidate said in revising customs duties, the Government had not decreased tho duties on British goods in. order to give greater preference to British firms, but had increased the duties on foreign goods. Government ventures in competitive trading with private enterprise should pay the same taxation as their .rivals. The United Party would imposo a 50 per cent, super-tax on absentee landlords, who should bo forced to live in the country for at least six months of the year if they wanted to reap tho benefit of their profits from this country, instead of spending it abroad in luxuiy. Tho candidate advocated a Stato .bank, which he considered would bo a source of strength to producers and trader:). It would also be of considerable benefit in keeping rates of exchange at a level which would not hamper tho country 8 commerce. Tho bank would have to bo entirely free from political influence. Very little of tho subscribed capital of any local bank was found in New Zealand, and there was no reason why we f.hould not have a Stato bank in the Dominion with a policy dictated by New Zcalanders for New Zealand. Laws by Order-in-Council. Tho abuso by Ministers of the convenient but obsolete means of legislating by Order-in-Council had been most appalling. Regulations had been framed and passed into law without consideration for the people. These methods were a striking illustration of tho partial abrogation of tho rights of Parliament by tho leaders of the Government, and they placed unrestricted powers in the hands of Ministers and civil servants. The United Party would introduce preferential voting and would make tho Legislative Council an elective body. Referring to defence, tho candidate said ho favoured an annual fortnight s camp for territorials, and tho abolition of the weekly night parades. His party would encourage civil aviation and also courses in aerial warfare by civil pilots. It would also continue to pay its share toward tho upkeep of the Navy, as tho soundest insurance premium tho country could pay. , ■ , In spite of oxcellent work in the pnst, much remained to be done in the reduction of infant mortality, and adequate social services would bo encouraged. He would favour the payment of maternity bonuses sufficient to cover preliminary expenses, and also payments to mothers for 26 weeks after tho birth of a child. Further consideration would also be given to tho welfare of tho Maoris, many of whom had disposed of their land to the Government and were now homeless. Tb» natives of Orakoi had received £85,000 from tho Government, and some were now receiving charitable aid. Tho United Purty would preserve the Maoris' tribal homes under a wise guardianship. Replying lo questions, the candidate said he would vote with any party in the House on a no-contrdenco vote against tho present Government. He favoured the retention of the State control issue on the licensing ballot paper and a bare majority of State control and continuance over prohibition. In reference to the Bible-in-schools, he considered parents should first agreo in writing that r.heir children should attend tho Bible readings. Mr. Speirs was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence amid prolonged applause.