THE REFORM PROGRAMME.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10400, 13 July 1912, Page 2

THE REFORM PROGRAMME.

The following was the PJ°?ramrae outlined by Mr Massey in Jnly of last year, whjcb waa ißstromentai In seonnag the downfall of the Ward Minisry;- . FI Dance.-— Reform of the financial system of the Dominion by Instiming a thorough investigation of the Dominion’s finances with a view to keeping borrowing within reasonable bounds, and of preventing wasteful eX Kßrorra o 6 f the fiscal system of the Dominion by reducing taxation wber--0761 possible in order to lessen the cost of living. Reform of the land system (a) oy giving all facilities possible to men of a nail capital to get on,the land by means of the leasehold as a stepping atone t) tbe freehold if they bo desire 1 it; (b) by giving the option of the freehold to tenants of Drown lands In L I P at the original value pins the difference between the rental on the O R.P. and L 1.. P.; (o) by glvIng the option of freehold to tenants on settlement land or L IP. at the original value; (d) by providing for limitation of area to effectually prevent aggregation; (e) by providing for the payment of the purchase money in instalments if so desired by the tenant; (f) by providing that the money derived from the sale of the freehold be utilised for the acquisition of further land for settlemeat. Reform of the native land legisla-tion-la) By a determined and anatained effort to settle the native land question; (b) by the rapid individualisation of native land wherever possible (c) by affording the native xaoe the common privilege of disposing under proper safeguards of their land which is not required for their personal use; (d) by making provision against the creation of large holdings; (e) by promoting legislation having for its ultimate aim the placing of the natives in the same position as the Europeans with the same privileges and responsibilities. Reform of the Legislative Oounol by replacing the present nominative oonncil with one elected on the same franchise as the House of Representatives on the proportional system of voting by larger electorates. ' Reform of the Civil Service.—(a; By Improving the conditions governing the employment of civil servants; (b) by eliminating political influence and patronage; (o) by providing that all appointments and promotions shall be made and regulated by a board responsible directly to Parliament and absolutely free from 'Ministerial control: (d) by granting civil servants the right of appeal toSa'coinpetant tribunal from a decision of the board. The reform of local government in the rural ditrslcta of the Dominion by giving extended powers and assured finance, thus making it unnecessary for them to depend to the same extent as at present on the wasteful and unsatisfactory system of Parliamentary grants for public works. , a . Reform of the municipal legislation by promoting a town planning scheme to meet the Insure requirements of the towns of the Dominion. Reform of the industrial system by promoting legislation In favour of compulsory Insurance against sickness aud unemployment. Reform of the Old Age Pension Act by making the qualifying age for the pension for women sixty years instead of sixty-five. Reform of the economic sjstam of the Dominion by promoting industrial peace and restoring public confidence in order to encourage local iudostres.