GENERAL ELECTION

Southland Times, Issue 20617, 16 October 1928, Page 8

GENERAL ELECTION

Prime Minister’s Manifesto

Policy and Performance

Achievements of Reform

“An impartial study of the facts by the electors will satisfy them that the Government has been faithful to its pre-election pledges and that the administration of the Dominion's affairs has been thoroughly safe, yet vigorously progressive,” states the Prime Minister’s manifesto for the general election.

Proceeding, the Prime Minister states: The Government's record, briefly stated in this manifesto, proves that it has worked consistently in. the interests of all the people. In 1925 the Government made no fantastic vote-catching promises. It set out a programme of necessary work for New Zealand as a whole, and it has tackled its tasks effectively. The Government has been tested during years of exceptional difficulties, and on its achievements it asks for a mandate to develop still further its liberal and self-reliant policy. At this general election of 1928 I ask the public for a continued expression of confidence in the Government, which during the last three years has successfully carried out a heavy programme of social and administrative reform and has helped our people to maintain a standard of living which is probably the best in the world. During the year 1926 some people, dismayed by a serious drop in the world prices of our principal exports, were constantly preaching pessimism, as if the Dominion would never again have and happiness. On my return from the Imperial Conference, my colleagues and I did our utmost to counteract these baneful influences by emphasizing our confidence in the country’s wonderful natural resources and in the selfreliance of our people. Our prediction of better times is now being fulfilled, and New Zealand is steadily regaining her position of economic stability which is the envy of mar\y other countries. Facts v. Fictions. In 1925 I issued on behalf of the new Government a manifesto which was necessarily limited to a statement of policy. The Government was then looking forward to a busy period of three years. That time has now passed, but its achievements amply justify a renewal of confidence in the administration. By persistent misrepresentation attempts have been made to create in the public mind an impression that the Government in its policy and administration has disappointed reasonable expectation. The promise of the Government was expressed in the forefront of the manifesto of 1925 in these words:— “No spectacular programme, no fanciful promises. National safety and progressive development.” To that promise the Government adheres to-day. Those words defined its course during the past, and those words express its policy for the future. Sound Finance. By careful management of the national finances, the Government has held the confidence of the world’s chief money market, London, a confidence which was strikingly shown on the raising of the recent loan of £5.000.000. This loan, which was greatly over subscribed, was remarkable for the fact that the nominal rate of interest, which, for some time past, had ruled at 5 per cent, was, on this occasion, reduced to 44 per cent. The flotation was positive proof that the world’s keenest financiers regarded New Zealand as a very solid country, with a Government working on sound principles. The various obligations due to the Great War and the continuation of a progressive Public Works programme must figure largelv in the national expenditure, but the Government, will continue to effect economies wherever practicable. Tfae results are seen in the relative reduction in the administrative costs of State Departments during recent years. The Government’s policy has kept the nett burden on the taxpayers on a very favourable basis when compared with the position in many other countries. The Government hopes that the improvement in the Dominion’s financial position will continue to such an extent as will permit of some measures of relief in the matter of taxation. Increasing The National Dividend. By extending the services of the Department of Agriculture, by a progressive transport policy with railways and roads, and by the provision of cheap hydro electric power, the Goxernment is entitled to due credit for assisting increased production from the land. The reduction in railway freights on fertilizers has been a boon to primary producers, and has materially helped to increase the output from their farms. The assistance afforded by the Government to fruitgrowers and to pork prqducers, the protection extended to the wheat-grow-ing industry, and the development of tobacco-growing constitute tangible evidence of the earnest desire of the Government to encourage all branches of primary producductiop. • Wealth from Timber.—The Government’s afforestation policy is destined to make New Zealand an important supplier of soft woods, of which the world is facing a dwindling supply. On the initiative of those directly concerned in timber-milling, proposals are under consideration for a reorganization of this industry on a basis of greater efficiency to the advantage of producer and consumer alike. Reliable experts are of the opinion that New Zealand possesses a valuable potential asset in the development of the wood-pulp industry. Mineral Resources. —Apart from gold, coal, and kauri gum, there has been little development of our mineral resources, which can offer opportunities for the investment of capital. The geological survey is being continued so that reliable information will be available for investors. Meanwhile, the Government is assisting prospectors. Oil experts who are testing the New Zealand fields are confident that the Dominion will yet become an important producer of petroleum. Constructive Scientific Research.—The new department of-Scientific and Industrial Research, established to assist all our industries. both primary and secondary, has made a good beginning and its activities will eventually benefit all branches of our industrial life. Mere Finance For Farmers. When our primary producers were faced with the serious problem of falling prices, the Government deemed it most important to strengthen the position of the man already on the land. Thousands pf producers, particularly small farmers, felt the need of additional facilities to obtain loans on reasonable terms. The Government, by means of the Rural .Advances Act of 1926 and the Rural Intermediate Credits Act of 1927, has assured for farmers all the advantages of an agricultural bank.

Sound Policy Of Land Settlement. The world wide decline in the pridfes of primary’ produce during recent years naturally checked the demand for farming lands, and the Government wisely refrained from undertaking any risky settlement schemes during that unfavourable period. However, official figures show that subdivision of Crown Lands has been steadily proceeding. Careful calculations based upon soldier settlement revaluations indicate that not less than £3,000 is required for the effectual settling of each farmer on a self-supporting basis. The Government has been carefully preparing for measures of progress along : safe lines, and feels confident that legislation of the recent session, providing for ' group purchases with Government assist- ! ance, combined with a carefully prepared I scheme already in hand for a large-scale development of pumice country and other land not at present occupied, will facilitate further settlement. In the pumice region the Government will begin with the development of a block of abdut 10.000 acres. The successful treatment of this demonstration area will make 1 it a centre of prosperous settlement, and so | open up the way for extending the scheme to other blocks in the vicinity. ’ To enable country workers to purchase I homes of their own, the Government has decided to acquire small areas of land in rural districts where the occupiers, when | not fully employed on other work, could j devote their time to their own holdings. . These small farms, of from 10 to 15 acres, I would enable the purchasers, with financial assistance from the State, to establish themselves on the land in homes of their own. Advances For Small Holders,Near Cities. Supplementing the system of financial assistance to workers, the Government has in mind the smallholder who, living on the outskirts of a town, finds time to keep a cow or two, some poultry and a few pigs to add to his earnings in another occupation. Some assistance advanced would help an industrious man to establish himself not only to his personal benefit but also to the advantage of the community. By this means, production would be increased, especially with the development of new markets for pork r eggs, and honey. The Government is making vigorous progress with consolidation schemes in Maori land districts, especially in the Poverty Bay, Bay of Plenty, King Country, and North Auckland areas; in settlment of the Native rating problem on an equitable basis; in the opening up of Native lands for settlement • by Natives and Europeans; and in the promotion of farming by the Native owners. Sympathetic consideration is also being given to the claims and grievances of the ! Natives reported on by the Native Land Claims Commissions of 1920 and 1926. Alleviation of these old grievances is essential if all sections of the Native race are to move forward on desirable lines. The Government is still further extending the activities of the Health Department in matters affecting the health of the Maori people. Producers in many districts are adversely handicapped by the burden of local rates. The deflation of land values and the revaluations now taking place in many countries reveal a serious position in some districts. The Government is closely studying this problem and is confident that a satisfactory solution can be evolved. Improved Railway Services. During the past three years a re-organiz-ation of the railway system has been effected on a baste which will prove increasingly I beneficial to the public. The working ex--1 penses will be substantially reduced by the •' operations of the new modern workshops. | To aSsure the most economical ; and convenient services, the Gov- ■ ernment is actively working for j the best possible co-ordination of rail and road transport, the whole cost of which must be borne by the public, directly or indirectly. The ‘Better Roads” policy, which I formulated as Minister of Public Works some years ago, has been developed in the direc- ■ tion of easing the burden on the ratepayers, ! particularly in country districts, where the growth of motor traffic has created serious problems. The petrol tax now enables the Main Highways Board to provide liberal subsidies for local bodies. The principle that the user must pay is now generally accepted. The Government has pushed on vigorously with its programme of hydro-electric enterprise. These facilities have added to the comfort of home life, and have also assured cheap and convenient power for our primary and secondary industries. Encouragement of Industries. The Customs Tariff protects the primary producer and, at the same time, admits free of duty, a great many implements, machines • and appliances that he requires for use on ; his farm. i A further measure of assistance has also | been given to a number of our manufactur- ] ing industries. The Government has actively encouraged the ‘‘Made in New Zealand” movement, and will continue to do so in every i»ossible way. The’ activities of the Departments of Scientific and Industrial Research and of Industries and Commerce will be always available for manufacturers. The tariff of 1927 has further lessened the cost of living by admitting free of duty very many articles in general use. The housewife to-day knows that she is able to shop more cheaply than under the former tariff. Consistently with a proper safeguarding of the public welfare, the Government stands for full and fair scope for private enterprise, which is essential to a satisfactory maintenance of the national prosperity. Promotion of Industrial Peace. A three-years’ period of industrial peace is evidence that the Government, by encouraging round-the-table discussions, has worked steadily for the removal of causes of friction between employers -and employees. In furtherance of this “get-together” spirit and to prepare the way for acceptable and workable amendments of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, on which there has been a sharp conflict of opinion, the Government convened a National Industrial Conference, which was attended by political economists and by representatives of employers and employees. Although unanimity was not reached on the main question as to whether arbitration should be optional or compulsory, the delegates

made important progress in the mutual understanding of the various difficulties.' In the' full confidence that further disetissiori will evolve a satisfactory basis of legislation, the Government has decided to arrange for another conference next year. Care of Public Health.

By extending the activities of the Health Department the Government has helped to keep New Zealand in the enviable position of having the world’s lowest general death rate as well as for children during their first year. The medical examination of school pupils and the establishment of dental clinics are being steadily developed. The Government is making full provision for 1 the St. Helen’s Maternity Hospitals and for the encouragment of the Plunket Society’s infant welfare work. More intense research is now being directed into the causes and factors making for difficulties-and mortality among Mothers in child-birth with a view to further lessening the incidence of maternal mortality and of child mortality during' the first month of life. With a view to standardizing (according to grade of institution) the conditions and hours of duty of nurses employed in our public hospitals, the Government intends (g> invite hospital boards to co-operate in a thorough inquiry into this important branch of social Service. Modern Vocational Education. In our system of education, which is now practically free from the primary school to the university,, care is being taken to keep abreast of modern conditions, and tq fit our young people for careers in farming and trades as well as in commercial and academic pursuits. The Massey Agricultural College and the extension of facilities at the Lincoln College now provide opportunities for a firstclass agricultural education, thus affording to our young farmers advantages which hitherto have been enjoyed almost solely by those entering other occupations. It must be obvious to even the casual observer that the thousands of new houses in town and country are a visible proof of the material assistance furnished by the Government to home-dwellers, and a practical evidence of its goodwill towards working men and women. The housing shortage in many districts has by this means been overcome, and, by the adoption of town-planning schemes, congested areas in our larger cities will be entirely eliminated. By the Family Allowances Act of 1926 the Government has made a helpful beginning with a system of reasonable assistance for large families, and there is a prospect of larger grants with an increase of the country’s prosperity., Greater Compensation for Accidents. The Workers’ Compensation for Accidents Act, 1926, increased the amount of compensation in case of death to £l,OOO and provision was also made for higher weekly payments for injury. While maintaining the provision for the various existing pension schemes, the Government has recognize.d the need of a national system of invalidity pensions on a contributory basis, which will assist workers and their families when overtaken by illness. In order to evolve a comprehensive scheme, it will be necessary to work harmoniously with Friendly Societies and similar organizations already in the field. I am satisfied that there are still many returned soldiers who are suffering from their war service, although they are unable to establish their claim to a pension. I ' propose to ask the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association to co-operate with me in finding some method of assisting these men insofar as their cases cannot be met by the efforts of the various Patriotic Associations and War Relief lunds. During the past three years the Government has carried on an active publicity campaign to attract tourists to New Zealand, -and there is definite evidence that these activities are also effectively bringing our industries and natural resources under the notice of many thousands of people throughout the world. Unemployment Problem. During the period of world-wide economic stress, New Zealand has had less unemployment than any other country in proportion to population. The Government has taken all practicable measures to assist, and has found work for many thousands of men. Much important statistical evidence has been collected for consideration by a representative committee. The Government will spare no efforts in seeking a solution of this problem. The practicability of adopting a scheme of insurance against unemployment is also being explored. Economic factors have necessitated an almost complete cessation of the immigration policy indicated three years ago. Members of separated families, certain young people and domestics now form the main personnel of immigrants. As immigration is inseparably linked up with the question of employment the resumption of an active policy of immigration Will not be considered until the special Unemployment Committee has reported to the Government. The Government has appreciably improved the means of consultation with the Mother Country. By contribution to the cost of the Singapore Naval Base and by the strengthening of the New Zealand Division of the Navy, our people are now giving a larger measure of 'assistance to the Mother Country in carrying the great burden of Empire defence. Our administration of the Mandated Territory of Samoa, w’hich was approved by the Royal Commission of 1927, has been again favourably commended, not only by the Mandates Commission of the League of Nations but by the Assembly of the League itself. The decision of the world’s tribunal is a complete answer to those illinformed critics who sought to impeach the integrity of the Administration. No Programme of Empty Promises. I do not hold the opinion that a Government, by continually promoting legislation, can ensure easy prosperity for everybody. Of course, circumstances will inevitably arise necessitating amendments of laws or new statutes, but I believe that the Government has already set out the main lines for satisfactory advancement of the country as a whole, and that the Dominion requires chiefly a steady persistence with the present policy which has been designed in the interests of all classes of the ityFrom this brief statement of the achievements of their responsible executive the electors will realise that the members of the Government are in the position of directors of a great enterprise. They are presenting their report of progress. They claim that a change of directorate at this stage of the country’s development will not be to the people’s advantage, however well it would suit the sectional interests and the personal aspirations of the Government’s opponents. The facts prove that the Government has acted faithfully for the public as a whole, and has the right, on its record of service, to a renewal of the people’s confidence. Finally, I desire again to draw attention to what I stated in my manifesto in 1925: The Government stands for toleration and for equal opportunity for all citizens; for the security of the individual, and for the stability of State and Empire. The Government’s adherence to those guiding principles has earned for our Dominion a worldwide reputation for sound government and a steady advancement in social welfare. .AWARUA SEAT. Mr P. de la Perrelle addressed close on 100 electors in the Greenhills School last evening. The chair was occupied by Mr S. Tait. The candidate was given an excellent hearing, and after apswering several questions satisfactorily was accorded a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence on the motion of Mr A..Mathieson,- seconded by Mrs G. Smith. Later, the same evening, Mr Perrelle addressed a well-attended meeting ?t. Woodend. Mr W. Hudson occupied* the chair, and at the conclusion of the address a vote of thanks and confidence was; carried on thp motion of Messrs George and H. Craig.

MR J. R. HAMILTON’S CAMPAIGN.

Mr J. R. Hamilton, member for Awarua, addressed meetings at Dacre and Morton Mains last night. At Dacre Mr D. Fraser was in the chair. The candidate received a good hearing and was accorded a vote of confidence on the-morion of Messrs Stevens and Boyce. At Morion Mains, Mr Hamilton was voted to the chmr, and at the conclusion, after several questions were satisfactorily answered, a motion of thanks and confidence was carried unanimously on the motion of Messrs Barron and Warnock. Mr Hamilton addressed a meeting of Grove Bush electors on Saturday night in the Grove Bush Hall. Mr A. McNaught was in the" chair, and at the close, after several questions were asked, Coltfnel Hargest moved a motion of thanks and confidence, which was carried unanimously. At Tussock Creek the same evening, a large number turned out. Mr Clark was voted to the chair. Numerous questions were asked and satisfactorily answered. On the motion of Mr Lightfoot a motion of thanks and confidence was carried. TIMARU ELECTORATE. MR T. D. BURNETT’S CAMPAIGN. (Per United Press Association.) Timaru, October 15. Mr T. D. Burnett, the Reform candidate in the Temuka electorate, addressed his first meeting in the campaign at Temuka tonight. He condemned triennial Parliaments as too short and advocated four years’ Parliaments. The salary of £450 to members was too small for other Qian members who were- financially independent. - He admitted that, mistakes had been made in connection with the purchase of land for soldiers, but denied that any Government could have done better under the circumstances which prevailed following the war. He advocated more science in farming to secure the maximum production from the land. To secure this only men and women of the right temperament should be put on the land. I He condemned too much dependence on the i Government, saying that if too many gathered round the old milch cow she would go dry. A vote of thanks was passed.