NATIONAL PARTY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22954, 4 February 1938, Page 11

NATIONAL PARTY

OUTLINE OF POLICY ADDRESS BY LEADER ASSISTANCE FOE FARMERS . CLOSER LAND SETTLEMENT [by telegraph—own- correspondent] TAIHAPE, Thursday That the National Party strenuously opposed Socialism and the accompanying regimentation of the people, while also opposing monopolistic ownership and control of industry, was emphasised by the Hon. Adam Hamilton, leader of the party, in an address' to-night in which he outlined some of the chief planks of the platform of the organisation. The meeting was believed to be the largest in the district for many years. "The party stands for private enterprise and for the freehold ownership of land," said Mr. Hamilton. "It will encourage by every means in 'its power thrift, enterprise, initiative and industry among the people. It also stands for the small trader, the small farmer and the small shopkeeper, and their right to economic freedom. "Primary production is the foundation industry of New Zealand and it is entitled to a standard of reward comparable With other industries,!' continued Mr. Hamilton. "As the farmer labours under an economic disadvantage in having to accept world marketprices for his produce while having to meet internal costs, the party proposes to give effect to such measures as will ensure: (a) That farmers are able-to pay competitive rates of wages; (b) that they will be assured of reasonable interest on capital invested in farms and stock; (c) that they can meet increased costs imposed by legislation, including tariffs; and (d) that they are ensured a remuneration commensurate with the service they render, comparable with that obtained by other members of the community who render equal service. Such measures will be accomplished by a lowering of costs or by a compensatory payment for farm produce, or by a combination of both, The party also proposes to restore to the farmer the right to manage bin own affairs, including the . marketing h of his own produce.

Assistance to Industry "It is intended to bring about the closest co-operation between the Government and the manufacturer. All industries of a sound, economic valua to the country will be afforded reasonable assistance and encouragement, while prospective industries capable of giving employment to the people will receive special encouragement from the State during the period of establishment, provided that investigation shows that such industries can be established on a sound and economic basis.

"Believing that New Zealand's interest will be best served by a large rural population settled on areas suitable for the particular class of farming, the National Party favours a .vigorous policy of closer settlement and the further subdivision of classified areas," said Mr. Hamilton. "It also proposes adjusting various costs and the granting of financial assistance to bring about voluntary subdivision in order ito provide farms for farmers' sons, rural workers and other suitable Preservation of Purchasing Power

"The party stands for the maintenance of conditions that will-secure for vrage earners the fullest employment at the highest wage that industry can afford, and the preserving of the purchasing power of wages in relation to tbe cost of living. It believes the powers granted to the Arbitration Court to award wage rates and conditions of employment should be_ free froni political interference, and it therefore stands for the impartial enforcement of the Court's awards and ■decisions upon both parties. It also pledges itself to a complete overhaul of the existing law governing the employment of the Dominion's youth population so as to ensure their absorption into remunerative occupations on leaving school.

"While an efficient and modern railway service is an essential part of the national transport system, the community \vould be best served by the maintenance of a properly regulated i and privately owned road transport 1 service, complementary to that provided by the railways. So in framing regulations or controlling transport licences, the first consideration should be service to the community. The party pledges itself to the removal of all dictatorial powers conferred on the Minister of Transport by the present law, fciivd the provision of an essential prerogative of the people giving the right to appeal to the law courts instead of to the Minister as at present." Monetary and Taxation Policy

Dealing with the party's monetary and taxation policy, Mr. Hamilton said that currency and credit and other central bank functions should be cowtrolled by the Reserve Bank, which, though always subject to Parliament, would be under national management separated from either politics or commercial profit. It was believed that consistent with the efficient carrying out of the proper functions of democratic government the smallest amount of taxation should be collected, the best means of encouraging industry and enterprise, and of increasing permanent and useful employment among the people, being to leave as much spending power as possible in the hands of those earning the money. Moreover, reduced taxation also increased the purchasing power of wages, stimulated prosperity and reduced the cost of living.

Other aspects of policy dealt with by Mr. Hamilton included the closest possible commercial co-operation with Great Britain and an efficient system of national defence in which New Zealand would co-operate with the rest of the British Empire. At the conclusion of the meeting the following resolution was carried—- ' 'This meeting places on record its complete confidence in the New Zealand National Party, and believes that by supporting it the people of the Dominion will be assured of realising the democratic ideal of the greatest good to the greatest number. It also expresses entire confidence in Mr. Hamilton as leader of that j}&rty, and wishes him the full measure- of success his efforts so well deserve."