DEMOCRAT AIMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22197, 26 August 1935, Page 15

DEMOCRAT AIMS

first presentation WIDE RANGE OF PURPOSES 'SOME alterations expected official statement awaited \n early pronouncement is expected from official quarters concerning the policy on which tbe Democrat Party will make ' ts " ppeal to tho people at the general election. Remarks dropped from the conference held in Wellington last week indicate that some alterations may be expected in the party's aims ami objects issued some months ago. It was on these that tbe initial steps for organising the party were taken, and they were freely circulated. Delegates to the conference have been reticent concerning the alterations. The initial aims and objects, 29 in number, are as follows: , . 1. To promote and maintain loyaltj - to the King, the British Empire, the Dominion of New Zealand and the con- „ gtitution. 2. To maintain and strengthen Imperial ties, to encourage reciprocal trade with Great Britain and other members of the British Commonwealth of Nations, and to obtain trade agreements with the United Kingdom, retaining free markets for all New Zealand products, and to comply with the spirit of the Ottawa Agreement. 3. Restore the purchasing power of "the New Zealand pound by* returning to parity with sterling as soon as is practicable. 4. To pursue a policy of active and organised development of new markets wherever possible. Trading: by State 5. To encourage private enterprise and initiative, and to review the present activities of the State with a view to placing State trading concerns on the game footing as private enterprise, and generally to prevent undue interference by tho Sta*e with the rights of the individual and undue competition by the State with private enterprise. 6. To keep all efficient farmers on the land by guaranteeing minimum export prices for primary products. 7. To facilitate financial assistance to farmers and workers at reduced rates of. interest and on the most liberal terms possible. 8. To place the Tourist Department under commercial management, and to undertake a vigorous policy whereby the New Zealand tourist trade may be encouraged to the fullest extent, taking full advantage of this wonderful asset. Duties on Grain 9. To abolish duties on wheat and other grains, thereby reducing the cost of bread, and encouraging production of poultry and pigs. 10. To reorganise the National Broadcasting Service on a democratic and more popular basis: the board to be elected by listeners; B stations to be subsidised, and sponsored programmes encouraged, and licence fees reduced. ' 11. To encourage the investment of British capital in national development works.

12. To make every effort to decrease the cost of production of primary products, and to examine the possibility of the derating of farm lands. / 13. To place the purchase of State i stores on a footing whereby all persons may have an equal opportunity f- to compete for all State business on a fair and equitable basis. 14. To review the present system of regulations and restrictions and of government by Order-in-Cotincil and departmental officials. Unemployed Problem 15. To adopt a practical policy of employment administration, to facilitate the return of the unemployed worker to private employment at his own trade or occupation, and to recognise his right to rehabilitate himself as a private individual. 16. To ensure that both labour and capital receive an adequate and equitable reward, and to encourage and assist the development of our natural resources where they are economically sound. 17. To ensure that the standard of living of the worker shall be improved and maintained at the highest possible level. 18. To encourage and assist the development of sound secondary industries where such assistance does not conflict with the spirit of the Ottawa Agreement or any other subsequent agreement with the United Kingdom. 19. To review transport laws and regulations for modification in order to reduce the cost of production and internal distribution. 20. To encourage and assist the candidature for Parliament of men and of /proved ability and administrative capacity. Economy in Parliament 21. To ensure greater efficiency and economy in our Parliamentary system by (a) a reduction in the number of members of the Legislative Council and By a system of election, and (b) to institute a drastic revision of the standing orders of .the House of Representatives. / . 22. To investigate the present system of local body government with a view to simplifying its system and reducing its cost to the comniunitv. 23. To give support to any movement which-, after careful investigation by competent authorities, is calculated to be> for the future welfare of the people. 24. At all times to recognise and protect the rights and freedom of the individual, and to defend him against the inroads of Socialism. • 25. To secure sound government for Zeala nd on democratic lines, and to secure freedom, happiness and prosperity for the citizens of New Zealand, irrespective of class and creed. National Defence 26.' To institute and carry out a policy of humanitarian legislation for the purpose of improving the circumstances or the sick, the aged, the disa'id the needy. , 2". lo maintain the principle of .fee, secular and compulsory education; and to work for the unceasing implement of educational facilities, hods and equipment, so that the ost favourable conditions and equal PPortunity may be given to children °r all classes. 28. lo use every endeavour for the penance of international peace and J° efficient system of national defence, and kIM 1 !', ?!' c °-°P prat e ™ far as posir, !i W i ' eat '* nta ' 11 and Australia mo,. • ii To encourage comCoW ♦ ■ P rivnt ® aviation, and to oH M l a r te 11 Wlth a natio 'ial system 01 air defence.