JUNIOR REFORM LEAGUE

Southland Times, Issue 21772, 29 July 1932, Page 6

JUNIOR REFORM LEAGUE

OBJECTIVE OUTLINED. FOUR CARDINAL POINTS. Wellington, July 27. At a meeting of the committee of the Junior Reform League, various proposals concerning the future of the league were discussed, and the following resolutions were adopted:— That the name “Junior Reform League” be changed to "Reform Union.” That the Reform Union ratify and adopt the aims and objects and constitute a branch of the New Zealand Political Reform League, and that the following specified points be its immediate objective: (a) The principle of non-Govem-mental interference in private enterprise to be persistently and energetically applied. (b) A survey of the cost of State and public administration to the taxpayer with a view to securing a reduction in taxes.

(c) No further extension of the Public Service and a reduction thereof when possible. (d) Increased and closer control by Parliament over expenditure.

That the Reform Union use its best endeavours towards the fulfilment of the above objects. Speakers considered that an open discussion in the development and investigation of these points would be invaluable, and that young candidates or members holding these views should be brought forward or supported. It was agreed that the above and other points should be fully discussed by means of debate and a model parliament, and arrangements are being made accordingly. Speakers emphasized the need for the relinquishment of the State holdings in various fields of private enterprise, further that the interfering and harassing legislation now on the Statute Book should be amended or repealed in order that private enterprise might be given an opportunity for rehabilitation, recovery, and progress.

It was generally agreed that closer co-operation between members of Parliament and electors was desirable, and it was felt that those supported by the union should meet it to discuss current legislation, elect its platforms, and any deviations therefrom. It was felt that there was mutual responsibility, and for this reason mutual understanding was extremely desirable. The Reform Union believes that Socialistic legislation not only contravened the Constitutional rights and freedom of the neople, but also had a tendency to break down progressively initiative and self-reliance, and unless active steps were taken to check it, it must ultimately end in national disaster.