LABOUR'S AIMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22580, 19 November 1936, Page 12

LABOUR'S AIMS

PROGRESS IN YEAR REVIEW BY MR. SAVAGE "STILL A LONG WAY TO GO" HEALTH AND PENSIONS £BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Wednesday The extent to which he considered the Labour Government had achieved its objective in putting its election programme into operation was discussed by the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, in an interview to-day. Mr. Savage said that before the election, just on a year ago, lie had toured the country and had stated that the standard of living would be a true reflection of what the people were capable of producing. That was the objective and to reach it the people had to be in a position to buy to the same value as they produced. "We haven't nearly reached that," he said. "We have a long way to go." In reaching that objective the hours of labour had to be shortened' and the introduction of the 40-hour week was substantial contribution to that aim. A Substantial Beginning In addition to the shortening of hours, the Prime Minister continued, he had stated it was essential to raise the salaries and incomes of people generally. To the man who was producing farm products he had said a guaranteed price was essential to establish that class of producer in a position in which he would be independent of overseas market fluctuations. "Wo have started on that aspect of the programme, but we still have a long way to go before everything is finalised," said Mr. Savage. "In the matter of raising salaries we have made a substantial beginning." At the same time, it must be realised there were still difficulties to be overcome. However, he did not see any reason to make any apologies for what the Government had done or what it had not done so far. Not Successful in Everything The first aim of the Government had been to help those in need, but the Government had not been successful in everything, Mr. Savage said. As far as was humanly possible the Government desired to begin with those whose need was worst and when they met success in that direction the Government would at the same time be helping industry. , "I don't think I am egotistical in 6aying we have got a fair way on that road, and that we have made a substantial beginning," added the Prime Minister. "We will make more progress if the people stand behind us." There was a lot to be done ?" the field of education. Then the national health service had to be established. With the co-operation of all those engaged in that class of work the health service should have a substantial beginning before met again. Another substantial part of the Government's prograij&ne was a universal pension, or superannuation. Good work had been done in the past, but the Government desired to carry on that work.