COUNTRY PARTY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 671, 24 May 1929, Page 1

COUNTRY PARTY

POLICY ADJUSTMENTS ANNUAL CONVENTION j Questions affecting the politi- ; cal future of the farmers were discussed at the convention of the Country Party, which was held at Auckland last evening, captain H. M. Rushworth, the sole representative of the party in Parliament, presiding over a large attendance of members. The convention was not open to the Press. Finance and procedure occupied a prominent place on the agenda paper, and alterations in the rules also were considered. On the question of taxation in the party’s political platform, the rule re lating to customs duties of a protective nature were altered. It is now provided that such customs duties be gradually reduced, any assistance to industries to be iu the form of subsidies. it was worded that the | duties be reduced so as to cease alj together in 10 years. Under national economy the Country Party will now advocate: That endeavour be made to bring down the cost of money by the purchase of privately-owned shares of the Bank of New Zealand, so that the policy of the bank shall be to cover all working expenses, instead of to make profits for the ordinary sharo-, holders, thus materially reducing in- 1 terest rates. EMPLOYMENT So far as employment is concerned it was agreed to add the following provision to the policy: That every effort be made to emphasise, that real wages consist of the commodities ■which money wages will buy, ana that no general reduction of money wages can he justified unless preceded by a reduction in the price of C °The o< other clauses relating to the j provision of work by speeding up road , lud railway work and work -which will lead to increased national produc- , Uou in times of stress, are left as' hitherto as also is the proviso that,, bv encouragement of the primary inrtnstrie" and of all nationally profit-1 able industries, avenues of employ-, ment shall be sought. - i