THE LIBERAL POLICY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12726, 22 August 1919, Page 5

THE LIBERAL POLICY.

POINTS FROM SIR JOSEPH WARD’S MANIFESTO. IMPORTANT NATIONALISATION PROPOSALS. The, following are the leading points taken from Sir Joseph Ward’s declaration of policy, which is published in full on pages 2 and 3:— Establishment of the Bank of New Zealand as a State Bank. Local borrowing at 5J- per cent, with no exemption from taxation. Nationalisation of coalmines and institution of State colliers. Considerable reduction of taxation and readjustment in relation to death duties and income tax. Government ventures to pay taxation. Reduction of public debt, the country’s loans to be repaid in sixty-five years. Establishment of aerial service for postal and commercial purposes. Expenditure of £3,000,000 on educational buildings; increases in teachers’ salaries; Dominion promotion scheme; free dentistry and medical services for school children. Restoration of Cadet system, and continuance of pre-war Territorial system. Subdivision of large estates, and encouragement of closer settlement; land for soldiers, and provision of £1,000,000 per annum for civilian land settlement. Removal of restrictions on trade, with preference to members of League of Nations; preference to Empire to be expanded. Establishment of Department of Industries, and development of secondary industries. .State control by license of all freezing works, and prevention of their use by trusts or combines. Nationalisation of flour mills; price of bread to be fixed by Board of Trade; price of wheat to be guaranteed to growers. ' - Subsidy on Dominion oil production, and fixing of prices of imported oils. Subsidy to encourage Dominion production of beet sugar. Provision of £4,000,000 for active prosecution of railways ; South Island Main Trunk to be completed in two years; fast and cheap suburban trains. Expenditure of £4,000,000 on State roads and bridges, over a period of four years: main arterial roads to be nationalised. Nationalisation of the ferry services. Establishment of further hydro-electrical schemes; £6,000,000 to be spent in three years. Adoption of proportional representation for city and suburban electorates. Women to be eligible for Parliament; equal pay for equal work. Extension of powers of Board of Trade to regulate profits and check profiteering. A committee on relations between employers and employees to investigate and report to the Government. Permanent employment for watersiders, and a contributor superannuation fund. More generous provision for workers’ compensation. Increased provision for workers’ homes. Proper recognition of the rights of discharged soldiers and soldiers’ dependants. Encouragement of prospecting for gold and other minerals. Old age pensions to be granted irrespective of incomes or capital up to a reasonable amount. Better provision for widows and orphans. Extension of National Provident Fund. Review of pay and privileges in Public Service. Opposition to local navy, but support of suitable scheme for protection in the Pacific.