"NO HOME SECURITY."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20080, 18 October 1928, Page 16

"NO HOME SECURITY."

LABOUR ALLEGATION.

RISKS OF UNEMPLOYMENT

INSURANCE SCHEME URGED

"Thero is no security 'of employment in Now Zealand and no security of Hie home," said Mr. A. G. Osborne, Labour candidnto for Waitemata, in his opening address in the Masonic lfall. Dcvonport, last evening. Mr. F. S. Procter presided over an attendance of about 60. "I suppose quite 80 per cent, of the people in New Zealand are not secure against unemployment from week to week," the candidate continued. "Boys and girls leaving school cannot be assured of employment, and (he Coates security policy of three years' ago has brought not liing." Tho La bom platform sought to remedy the ills caused by tho Reform Government. The Labour Party was not only for the man in the workshop—it wanted all people who performed useful service. It was bringing in the thinking men and the men from the universities. They were finding the Labour movement held out something not in other parties, and the labourer the clerk, the farmer, tho doctor, craftsman and the professor were recognised by 'ho Labour Party as performers of useful service. Attack on Other Parties, Referring to tho "mushroom" United Party, the candidate said the platform for a recovery from present financial conditions could not 1)0 found in that direction. There was no hope in a party which had sprung up almost in a day, and on the othei hand, the Reform Party had not looked after tho welfare of the people of New Zealand. The most ardent advocate of Reform would be utterly disappointed with the results of the last three years. The legislation enacted had been largely in the interests of big business and financial institutions. The platform of the new party, as enunciated by Sir Joseph Ward on 'luesday evening, was not four-square with the views of former Liberal members of Parliament who were recruits to the United Party- Sit Joseph Ward had taken a view which could not be in accord with pronouncements by Mr. W. A. \ citch and Mr. T. M. Wilford. 'We are accused ot the fact that our policy is built on idealistic lines," said Mr. Osborne. "1 admit the charge—it is, and any political platform should bo based on" idealism." There were numerous instances ot enactments by tho Loates Government in lavour of vested interests. The unprecedented unemployment proved there was something radically wrong There was the strange situation of record production coupled with record unemploy ment. Citizens had a right to the op portuinty to work and in its absence there should bo provision on the Statute Book for insurance. No Confiscation of Land. There cutild bo no security even with record primary production if there was also record farming bankruptcy. The Labour land policy stood definitely for a steeply graduated land tax as the means of breaking up the huge estates. Legislation was wanted to touch those who held land from those who were willing to work it. The Labour Party did not intend to confiscate one inch of land, but it was prepared to set up a State department to deal with properties. At present, land wanted for public works could be taken. There should be similar means of dealing with land wanted for production. Owing to the pressure brought to bear on the Government by financial institutions, money hail been deliberately withheld The Labour Party would set up a State department, where the cost of land transt'ei would bo kept at. a minimum, instead of at a maximum as at present. It would affect both land agents and solicitors. The term "free" could not be applied (o the education system. There were probably dozens of cases in Devoriport in which a parent compelled by law to send a child to school, experienced hardship in finding the money to buy the compulsory books. A few months ago tile's Government had pledged New Zealand to a contribution of £1.000.000 toward the Singapore Base. The basewould be of no tactical advantage to New Zealand, and he deplored the expenditure while the excuse was offered that there were no funds available for free school books. Free Medical Treatment. Free medical service to people in indigent circumstances was also advocated by Mr. Osborne. Many sufferers from disease could not afford* treatment. The Government provided medical attention for poultry and animals, but the human being was neglected. A veterinary officer could be called to a cow, and a Government poultry expert consulted regarding a fowl. Tens of thousands of people iri New Zealand to-day are suffering from disabilities which could havo been avoided bv attention in infancy. The Laboui Party aimed at an extension of the pension systoin. The old-age grant of 17s 6d a week was a miserable allowance. Whatever had been achieved in the directioi of improved pensions was due to tho prolonged agitations of (be Labour Party. Workers' compensation in \'ew Zealand could be made 100 per cent. with very little increase in premiums. At prcs< nt the worker obtained 61 per cent, and 39 pci cent, was absorbed in administration expenses and profits. In Canada the worker received 91 per cent, of every CI paid by the employer. The Government had not taken the Labour Party's warning concerning propaganda for mmigration. Glowing pictures had been painted in Great Britain. The Government claimed to have arranged extensive relief works, but. the schemes were really permanent works planned irrespective of unemployment. The remuneration was "only half a wage." Farmcia and Income Tax. Laud aggregation had increased under Mr. Coates' administration, and settlement was less satisfactory than it was three years ago. The business man had to pay both land tax and income tax, but s( uie wealthy squatters escaped (he levy on ther income. It might be said lb. measure was intended to help farmers luit not 0 pei cent, of the farmers were making sufficient t«> pay income tax. The housing shortage had increased during the last tlire* years, and slum conditions in parts ot Auckland were a disgrace. 1 lie candidate answered questions con eernmj, immigration and pensions A Voice: In eliminating the land agents and tho lawyer - , what do you propose in their place ? Mr. Osborne: 1 did not say eliminate the land agent. I say a State department will be able to give the transfer service cheaper than people air getting it to-day The Voice. Don't you Oeiieve it. A vole nf (hariles and confidence was carried without dissent. HAMILTON ASPIRANT. LADOUR PARTY'S CHOICE. j KY Tlil.KlillM'H. —OWN COIll! I'SI'ONDENT. | HAMILTON. Wednesday After considerable delay the selection of Mr. F. W. Schramm, an Auckland solicitor, as the Labour candidate for (ho Hamilton scat at the general election, has j now been officially approved.