POINTS FROM LABOUR PARTY'S ELECTION MANIFESTO

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 November 1949, Page 6

POINTS FROM LABOUR PARTY'S ELECTION MANIFESTO

Attitude To Problems Of The Day

"Full employment, the right ol everyone to a job, is assured," states ’he election manifesto of the New Zealand Labour Party, released fot publication yesterday morning, "increased sickness benefit and improved workers’ compensation give added security.” The maintenance of the workers purchasing power and increased rewards for higher production are part of the Labour Party s policy, rhe 40-hour week and holidays with pay will be maintained, states the manifesto. "Labour will encourage trade unions to further the legitimate industrial in .. rests of tne workers. Methods of arbitration for the settlement of industrial issues will be upheld for the benefit of all the workers and New Zealand as a whole,” says the manifesto A higher standard of health, safety and welfare for industrial workers will be promoted, the manifesto says. Occupational training facilities to disabled civilians will be extended. POLICY FOR THE FARMER. "Labour will maintain the Guaranteed Price with fair rewards for the dairy farmer," continues the statement. “It will continue the present arrangement under which the industry has a 50 per cent, voice on the Dairy Products Marketing Commission in fixing the price to the farmer and the marketing of butter and cheese in New Zealand and overseas. •The policy of bulk sales and longterm contracts for meat and dairy produce will be adhered to and the pool accounts for the benefit of the primary industries will be safeguarded,” the manifesto continues. “In addition to the scheme covering the major primary products, arrangements will be made to continue economic returns to other primary producers.” The Labour Party policy guarantees the essentials or security and stability for the farmer, the manifesto adds. Sound valuations and' adequate finance at the lowest interest rates in the Dominion's history are features of Labour's land policy, the statement adds. "Labour will .... devote special attention to social amenities including educational facilities for farmers' children, mail services, electricity reticulation and country roads, "Labour believes tnat it is imperative for the future welfare of the manufacturing industries of New Zealand that a stable purchasing power should be sustained and, wnere possible, expanded.” says the manifesto. "It is the view of the Labour Government that the maintenance of import control is essential for the future welfare of New Zealand industry, Import control will, therefore, be continued for the purpose of ensuring that adequate overseas exchange is available tor the purchase of the plant machinery and raw materials required by the manufacturer and for the purpose of protecting him against uneconomic competition? “Labour will foster all means of ensuring the development and use oi n search for the improvement of New Zealand industry, either in the Scientific and Industrial Research Department or in the industry itself.” "Stabilisation and price control will be continued in such a manner as io ensure the maintenance of efficiency in industry. Price Control must be continued on all essential lines where the competition factor will not of itself ensure stability in price. In other cases, goods will be removed from price control wherever it is obvious that the national interest will not be impaired by such action. "Labour is determined to let nothing hinder ex-servicemen and women from having every opportunity for happy and successful lives. "The policy of Social Security will be maintained and extended. Commencing from January 1, 1950, the allowable other income for all beneficiaries under Social Security will be raised to fl 10s per week. "Labour will continue to make the responsibilities of mothers easier to carry. The outstanding benefit of family allowances, payauie to the mother, will continue to swell the family income and provide for better food and clothing. . . Maternity benefits, and the Home Aid Service instituted by the Labour Government, will be continued.”

Under the heading of education the manifesto states: "Next year the kindergarten system will be greatlyextended to give opportunities to many more children throughout the country. Where possible and desirable in primary schools Labour will provide cafeterias, gymnasia and assembly halls, increased library facilities, addtional free text books. More opportunities will be provided in schools for physically handicapped children. "More primary and post-primary schools will be developed into techimproved. Where needed, technical schools wil be developed into technological institutes to grant higher qualifications to pupils. More bursaries will be available to those showing ability. ARTS AND MUSIC. “Extended financial provision will be made for the development of the arts and music in schools including assistance for the purchase of musical instruments. The vocational guidance system will be extended. “Increased grants will be made for adult education and the National Library Service will be expanded. “Outstanding students of music and other arts will be helped for further study. The State Literary Fund will help meritorious New' Zealand authors. The National Theatre and School for Drama will be established. “Under Labour there will be still further progress in health services,” the manifesto states. "Physical fitness will be promoted by further cooperation between the health, physical education and physical welfare and recreation departments and an extension of their activities. “The health of the workers will be further promoted by the development of the Industrial Hygiene Division of the Health Department. "Specialised medical benefits will be operated at an early date and dental benefit will be inaugurated within three years. There will be a correlation of the public and private hospitals system in the service of health with special emphasis on the promotion of positive health. HOUSING PROPOSALS. “Labour will continue with its active policy of ensuring that the greatest possible number of new homes are built. Labour plans to build 50.000 houses in the next three years Loans for home builders are to be liberalised.

‘‘The Labour Government has decided to make special provision for those who desire to build their own homes and arrangements are now being made to provide for loans for house-building up to 90 per cent, of the cost, and in special approved cases this percentage will be in-

creased. The maximum of such loans will be £l5OO and the rate of interest 31- per cent, per annum, the repayment being spread over a period of 40 years or any lesser period that may be desired by the borrower. In special circumstances a further sum may be lent on the same conditions.

I ‘‘The Government proposes to make I available for sale at cost to borrowers under these proposals land suitably subdivided and served with the usual amenities. The borrower will be required to take out insurance policy On his own life so that in the event of his death the widow will be free from further liabilities. These loans will be made exclusively for house-building including the section, ' and will be confined to persons with an income not exceeding £6OO per annum at the time of application. “Loans to ex-servicemen, at present limited to £l5OO including supplementary loan, will be increased in special circumstances. There will be no reserve fund charge on these loans. “There will be increased State housing in country towns to provide for farm workers. “Building controls will be progressively relaxed as materials become more plentiful out less essential or luxury building must give way to homes. “Labour will encourage still further the progress of the Maori people encouraging their full adaptation to economic life, the most advantageous use of their own lands, and assimillation in trades and professions. Special attention will continue to be given to health, housing and education. MAORI LAND DEVELOPMENT. “Since Labour came into power Maori land development has been intensified as never before. The immediate programme is for the breaking in and settlement of 200,000 acres within the next 10 years. The policy is to encourage the Maori owners of the lands to take part in the great work of development by forming themselves into advisory committees, and working in close co-operation with the Department of Maori Affairs. “Recognising that high production is fundamental to a high standard of living, Labour will spare no effort in promoting methods to maintain the greatest possible output of goods and services in all branches of primary and secondary industry. “Over 1,000,000 acres have been purchased or set aside for development and settlement by the Lands Department subdivide into 2450 farms. Over half this area is already developed and settled by 1600 exservicemen. Over the next three years a further 150,000 acres will be developed and settled by the Lands Department. “Almost two-thirds of the ex-ser-vicemen awaiting settlement have been placed, and land will soon be available to young civilian farmers under a very similar scheme. A land utilisation survey is well advanced, classifying all our land resources according to type, for use to the best advantage. “Labour will make adequate finance avai.abie for purchase and de.e cpment ol a..improved country, WUcre needed to increase production Labour will aszis* suitable organisations to purchase heavy machinery for tie use of individual farmers. CLRRENCL CONTROL. “The Labour Government will continue the control of currency and credit-with the object of maintaining purchasing power, full employment and the better distribution of the national income. Credit and currency are too powerful as agencies for good or evil to be left to the control of private individuals or organisations. “The policy of the Government is to co-operate with the United Kingdom and other members of the Commonwealth to ensure full and expanding trade between all countries of the' world. “Import selection will continue to be used to ensuie the maximum quantity cf imports, with preference to Britain.

“Labour will maintain price control to minimise the effects of overseas price increases on the cost of Jiving in New’ Zealand and to ensure fair and stable prices to New Zealand producers and fair margins of profit to trade's. “Subsidies will continue to be paid bread, flour, eggs, tea , bacon, footfor the purpose of keeping down the price to the consumer of butter, milk, wear, w oollen goods, coal and gas. I “Labour holds firmly to the principle of redistributing the national injeome as a vital factor in promoting ; the general welfare.”