WORK AHEAD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22928, 5 January 1938, Page 12

WORK AHEAD

GOVERNMENT'S PLANS SHAPING LEGISLATION HEALTH AND PENSIONS ME. SAVAGE'S NEXT TASK The legislation which will give effect to the Government's proposals for national health insurance and superannuation is regarded by the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, as the most important .yet ta come before a New Zealand Parliament. The Prime Minister's holiday in Auckland concluded yesterday, and before his departure for Wellington he made it clear that details of the health and superannuation proposals would be among the first matters to receive his attention when he returned to his office in Parliament Buildings. "It is impossible to discuss the schemes fully at this stage," Mr. Savage said. "Wo have had committees at work for months, and we have had the advice and assistance of acknowledged experts. A mass of valuable information has been collected and from it tbe final scheme will be shaped. "Best in the World" "I can only repeat that, in my opinion, this will be the biggest thing ever tackled in New Zealand," the Prime Minister added. "It is only a question of seeing what is best suited to New Zealand conditions, and we will have provision for sickness and old age not only better than anything which we have had previously, but also better than anything in any other part of the world."

Questioned regarding the proposed overhaul of the land and income tax legislation which is to/ come before Parliament during the second part of the session, Mr, Savage said he did not know the extent of the progress made by the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, in shaping the reqiiired amendments. However, alterations would be made, and there would certainly be no lack of work after Parliament resumed on March 1.

Although the Prime Minister did not say so, it is gathered that the various committees of Government members who have been investigating proposals for future legislation will meet in Wellington early next month for the purpose of preparirie their final reports. Subsequently details will be discussed at a series of Government caucuses which are likely to extend over the latter half of February.' ' Benefit from Holiday

"My holiday in Auckland has done me the world of good," Mr. Savage said, "and I am returning to Wellington fortified for a year's work which I know will be hard, but which I am confident will bo well worth while. I have greatly appreciated the way all sections of the community have realised that 1 wished my holiday to be as much of a rest as possible. It has been a great pleasure to meet old friends and make new friends and generally to have an individual share in Auckland's holiday season.

"I have only been in Auckland for two or three short visits since the Government took office, but Auckland has been my home for years, and it is more than gratifying to see its continued expansion. I could sense a feeling of optimism, and there is ample evidence of prosperity."

When the Prime Minister left by the limited express last evening he was farewelled at the railway station by a number of personal friends "and officials of the Labour, Party.