WIDE POWER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23156, 30 September 1938, Page 13

WIDE POWER

PRODUCE COMMANDEER LABOUR PARTY'S AIM REV JEW BY MR. COATES DANGER TO INDUSTRIES [from our own correspondent] PAPAROA, Thursday Already tho Government bad commandeered dairy produce, and it had the power by its legislation to extend that to wool, meat and other primary produce, said the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, M.P., National candidate for Kaipara, when speaking to a meeting in Paparoa last night on the aim of the Labour Party to control public facilities, food supplies and industries, with the fixation of prices, wholesale and retail. Regarding transport, Mr. Coates said the tribunal which previously existed for tho investigation of cases before transport services were dealt with, had been abolished, final power resting now with tho Minister. Under the Industrial Efficiency Act, the Bureau of Industries could dictate whether industries and businesses should begin or cease. Mr. Coates maintained that the socialisation of the means of production, ultimately involved taking away tho freehold, which involved the right of inheritance. There was 110 difference in the objectives of Socialism hero from those in any of tho other countries under a socialistic regime, and there was a vital difference between the policy of the present Government and the National Party. Creation oi Credit Regarding tho guaranteed price for dairy produce, Mr. Coates quoted figures which he considered proved that the farmer was 110 better off with Government control than if he had received open market prices. There was no need to commandeer the produce. It was all very well for Mr. Nash to say that we need not worry, as 110 could creato credit through tho Reserve Bank. If rising costs, including taxation and labour, went beyond the earning power of our produce overseas, then disaster could not be avoided.

Confusion had been caused by the varying estimates given by the Minister of Finance of the surplus in the Dairy Account, said the speaker, who denounced tho whole system of guaranteed prices as a "wash out." The National Party would guarantee a fixed price without commandeer, any return realised over that to bo given to the farmer, while if market prices fell below the guaranteed price then the country as a whole should stand tho loss to maintain the dairy industry. Mr. Coates considered this fair, realising how vital that industry was to the general prosperity of tho Dominion Cost of Social Security Referring to the Social Security Act, Mr. Coates said tho benefits were fine, but the financial provisions to meet them were not assured. The scheme would cost £22,000,000 annually, but only £12,000,000 was in sight from revenue, leaving £10,000,000, while, after all the Government expenditure, there were still 35.000 unemployed to consider. Mr. Coates said his party stood for development of land settlement, including further subdivision of-large estates for small farmers. They believed in the Arbitration Court having the final decision in regard to wages and conditions. A more adequate system of defence was advocated, including an increase in the number of aeroplanes, ample camp allowance and pay to encourage young men to enlist, an iucrease of the forces to 20,000 and the revival of the old regiments. The present Government's defence programme was quite inadequate. Mr. Coates said we must hold to the British system of democracy, which would enable the people to live happier and fullc-r lives and to develop in thei* own way.

ATTENTIVE AUDIENCE MRS. DUE AVER AT PARNELL Without an interjection of any sort, electors listened attentively to an address bv Mrs. M. M. Drearer, Labour candidate for Remuera, in the Parnell Library last night. The meeting was attended by about 300 people. Mr. Charles Morris presided. Mrs. Dreaver praised the work of the Government in giving employment and good living conditions to the people, and in making provision for social security. The policy of the National Party, she contended, was retrenchment, the tragedy of which had been proved. It meant a reduction in wages and longer hours. "Remember, the new prosperity is Labour remaining on the Treasury benches," concluded Mrs. Dreaver. A vote of confidence in the candidate and in Mr. Savage and his Labour colleagues in Parliament was carried. On a show of hands there were only about a dozen dissentients. Mrs. Dreaver addressed a meeting of Remuera women at the home of Mrs. A. E. Burrett, Dell Avenue, yesterday afternoon, when she was accorded a very attentive hearing. Dealing with a questionnaire, the candidate spoke on the part of women in Parliament. The meeting assured her of its support and she was accorded a vote of confidence.