INTRODUCTION.  BACKGROUND TO THE POLICY.  The form of democracy is almost everywhere present in the western world in the shape of Parliamentary institutions; yet almost everywhere the substance of democracy eludes men. Political freedom allows them to form different political parties. but it is evident that parties with different names apply similar remedies in vain attempts to overcome the defects of an inadequate financial system.  It is the aim of Social Credit policy to reform the New Zealand financial system by dealing with the root causes of its inadequacy, thereby establishing a true economic democracy which will he an inspiration to the peoples of the world. New Zealand will in this way once again lead the world in economic and social reform.  Social Credit philosophy leads to the conclusion that a state cannot be truly sovereign unless it issues credit for the good of its people, rather than the primary good of private financial institutions. This was the position of the great American President Abraham Lincoln a century ago; it is the position in America today of the increasingly influential school of economists based on the University of Chicago.  Social Credit has nothing to do with the conventional political philosophies of the "left" or the "right". It is concerned with using the machinery of the state to arrest the drift within the capitalist system towards increasing socialization and centralization, evidenced by the growth of huge corporations through company mergers, and of large farming units through company farming.  BASIC IDEAS.  Social Credit policies are derived from two basic ideas Concerning the operation of the financial system of the western world:  Money has no value in itself, but is a medium (in the form of coins, bank notes. cheques) for the exchange of all goods and services produced. IT follows that money should be created in sufficient amount to permit the purchase of all goods and services produced by the community. Notions that money must be scarce ' or "'valuable" are fallacious, for there should be as much money as k needed to balance with the value of total production.  Sovereignty over the creation of a nation's money supply belongs to the people, because the use of money is for the exchange of the goods and services they  produce. It follows that when new money is created (usually in the form of credit) it should be by an agency delegated the task by the people. and should be at no cost to the people. There is no justification for money to be treated as a commodity bringing profit to a a few.  FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM.  Widespread failure to understand these concepts has resulted in a defective financial system unable to cope with the complex demands of the twentieth century world, and causing many injustices and inequities.  Worldwide economic recessions periodically result in unnecessary restriction of production and hardship to populations in an era when science and technology have provided men with the power to produce more than ever before. Continuous inflation erodes the purchasing power of money: New Zealand's money in the calendar year 1967 dropped six per cent in purchasing power. This was before devaluation of the New Zealand dollar relative to overseas currencies, which increased prices within New Zealand and therefore decreased its purchasing power still further.  If each nation, however, correctly balanced the purchasing power of its people with the value of their production of goods and services, then both inflation and deflation would be eliminated, costs would be lowered, and the maximum growth of the Gross National Product (the total value of goods and services produced in one year) would result.  But this requires that Governments adopt a financial policy of judicious credit creation, interest-free or debt-free (non-repayable) as circumstances warrant, in such a way as to stimulate production. This in turn would allow the creation of more credit to balance it.  At present, because nearly all money comes into existence bearing a charge calculated for the profit of financial institutions, New Zealand is in fact following a policy of continuous creation of debt, All interest charges must be passed on, and thus they form a major element in the cost structure of the nation. A private investor is entitled to a fair return on capital he has earned by his own efforts, and Social Credit recognizes this. But private institutions are not entitled to profit from the initial creation of money, be-cause when issued money is the property of the whole community.  Thus the founder of Social Credit, the late' Major C. H. Douglas. wrote in his book Economic Democracy: "There is no doubt whatever that the first step towards dealing with the problem is the recognition of the fact that what is commonly called credit by the banker is administered by him primarily for private profit. whereas it is most definitely communal property."  The cost of governing New Zealand could be reduced ultimately by about ten per cent if interest charges on state borrowing did not have to be paid. If New Zealand's primary and secondary industries could obtain cheaper finance, their costs would be lowered. and the result would he lower prices for all consumers. But the longer the present system continues in operation with interest compounding upon interest. the more the trend continues towards large monopolie5 in business, and towards company farming-a capitalist form of "collective farm''-in agriculture. Only large units can survive the debt-tax-cost spiral. The paradoxical result is increasing socialization within the framework of capitalism. True private enterprise is slowly squeezed out.  THE SOCIAL CREDIT REMEDY.  Simply stated, then, the aim of Social Credit is to preserve private enterprise and the freedom of the individual by greater state issue of credit. Only the state has the moral authority (derived from the democratic election of the Government) and the means (the central bank) to create sufficient purchasing power to benefit both private enterprise and the citizen. without at the same time causing inflation. The present cost inflation afflicting New Zealand and most of the world has the same effect on the erosion of the purchasing power of money as if Governments were printing money without regard for production.  In fact. the New Zealand money supply has not expanded greatly in recent years. Between 1964 and 1968. the amount of trading bank demand deposits and notes and coin actually dropped. To make up for this in an expanding economy, the velocity of circulation of existing money in the same period increased by twenty-five per cent. But the price paid for this is high interest rates charged by the fringe banking institutions which circulate the money. These high interest charges are simply translated into high costs. Because the Government takes part in this rapid turnover of the money supply. borrowing heavily instead of creating more of its own money interest-free. the costs of governing New Zealand rise too. Between 1964 and 1968, the public debt rose at approximately twice the rate of the combined totals of the money supply and selected liquid assets of the public. as listed by the Reserve Bank.  This vicious spiralling action in the economy has to be stopped. Abraham Lincoln, looking far ahead of his time. pointed the way when he said: "The  Government should create, issue and circulate all the currency and credit needed to satisfy the spending power of the Government and the buying power of the consumers. The privilege of creating and issuing money is not only the supreme prerogative of the Government. but it is the Government's greatest creative opportunity."  Social Credit believes that in a scientific and technological age. man can remedy the deficiencies of his economic system by adjusting it as an engineer adjusts a machine. rather than by making radical social and political changes of the sort proposed by socialist and fascist parties. As Major Douglas put it. the public have to free themselves from the power of their own economic machine, and use "the immense heritage which science and industry have placed at their disposal." As an engineer. he was particularly impressed by the fact that many developments physically possible from the engineer's point of view, are financially impossible because of the system. Thus Social Credit seeks to solve the problem of distributing the abundance of goods which machines can now produce.  Men cannot be truly free or achieve the fullest measure of self-realization. despite well-meant political forms. unless they have economic security-a freedom of choice both as producers and consumers. This is what is meant by economic democracy. Socialism is not an answer, because it simply means further centralization of economic and political power. Experience with socialism has shown there is no magic in state ownership. Social Credit destroys the mechanism by which economic power over the individual is increased-the monopoly of credit.  Social Credit takes the view that the end of man is not labour but self-development and enjoyment:  the end of production is not employment but consumption; and the unfettered application of modern technology and sources or energy can produce the material basis of a better life for the mass of the people. while leaving them much more leisure for enjoyment and self-fulfilment. In the age of the computer and automation, Social Credit has come into its own.  SOCIAL CREDIT IN ACTION.  It is half a century since Douglas wrote his first major works. and many of the points he made are now widely accepted. Thus New Zealand Governments have learned to make use of Reserve Bank credit at low interest rates for supporting our produce marketing authorities. (When Douglas wrote. New Zealand did not even have a central bank.) Comparison of his remarks on the creation of credit with the relevant sections of most modern economics textbooks reveals his remarkable perception of how the financial system actually worked.  The ideas of Abraham Lincoln on the money system are also very much alive. The Committee on Banking and Currency of the United States House of Representatives issued a report in 1964 which cited Lincoln’s remarks with approval and added: "It is no more or less inflationary for the private banks to create $1 billion of new money than it is for the Government to create $1 billion of new money."  The Chicago school of economists led by Professor Milton Friedman (an economics adviser to President Nixon) contend, like Social Credit, that the volume of money circulating in an economy is the crucial factor determining economic health. Steady and moderate monetary growth, instead of "stop-go" measures. will bring economic stability. the avoidance of both deflation and inflation. they believe. This will provide the monetary climate favourable for the stimulation of private enterprise. ingenuity and invention. They propose that Congress should instruct the United States central bank to increase the money supply by a specified figure-say three to five percent a year-for it is undesirable in a democracy that there should be no effective legislative control over the powers of men in charge of the monetary system.  A notable vindication of Social Credit ideas in recent times was the adoption by the International Monetary Fund in 1968 of the scheme for Special Drawing Rights, the so-called "paper gold". This amounts to the deliberate creation of international money to finance world trade. the volume of which since the Second World War has rapidly outstripped available reserves based on gold. The New Zealand Minister of Finance publicly admitted that the scheme is similar to Social Credit ideas.  The haphazard application of some Social Credit principles will not, however. produce the results that are needed. Until the people of New Zealand are prepared to elect a Government pledged to implement the full Social Credit programme. inflation and recessions will continue.  Major Douglas said in his book Social Credit: "So far from the mere sustenance of life through the production of food, clothing and shelter being the prime objective of human endeavour, it should flow be p05sible to relegate it to the position of a semi-automatic process." With the subsequent development of automation which lie foresaw. it is now possible to say that mankind can be treed from "wage slavery" for a new and richer kind of life. This era is still some years away, but now is the time to prepare for it. In due course, with the achievement of a full Social Credit economy. a National Dividend will be paid to ensure a guaranteed income for all citizens. A need for this is already recognized by progressive economists in both the United States and the United Kingdom.  A PRACTICABLE POLICY.  Social Crediters, having the vision of the benefits that will result from a Social Credit economy, unite in promoting the policy outlined in the following pages.  It is a practicable policy. because in essence it amounts to the full implementation of legislation already on the New Zealand statute books-the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act 1964. This Act gives the Reserve Bank power on behalf of the Government to 'regulate and control money. banking. banking transactions, credit and currency" having regard to "the highest degree of production, trade, and employment and of maintaining a stable internal price level."  Social Credit notes that these things are not being done. and therefore proposes a different credit policy. In brief, this involves the greater use of Reserve Bank credit at cost of issue, and where appropriate debt-free, for Government and local body capital works. The total volume of credit issued will be controlled by a National Credit Authority so as to avoid inflation or deflation.  These are some of the early benefits which will follow from the application of the Social Credit policy:  I. The cost spiral (caused by mounting service charges on money obtained by conventional borrowing at high rates of interest) will be halted.  2. Taxation and local body rates will be reduced.  3. Production will be stimulated by such incentives. (The Social Credit hi-lateral trading policy. involving reciprocal credits with countries willing to cooperate, will ensure the marketing of this increased production.)  4. More savings will be released for investment in both primary and secondary industry.  5. The people. through their elected Government, will have greater control over the total issue of credit, which after all is created against the security of their combined efforts.  TENETS OF SOCIAL CREDIT  OUR PRINCIPLES  (A) Our basic principle is the establishment of an economic and social order built on the foundations  OR brotherly love, truth, justice and honest endeavour.  (b) We believe that what is physically possible and desirable for the betterment of mankind should be  made financially possible.  (c) We believe that the individual is more important than the state and that Systems should be made for man. not man for Systems.  (d) We believe that restrictive forms of political and financial dictatorship, monopoly and bureaucracy should be strenuously opposed  (a) We believe in competitive and co-operative enterprise and that state-owned businesses should conform to the same conditions as privately-owned concerns. We believe that the function of Government is to set fair rules.  OUR PURPOSE:  To secure to the people of New Zealand the beneficial use and control of their own credit and currency.  (b) To establish an economy where the people will be able to develop and expand the country's real  wealth without mortgaging their own and their children's future.  (c) To restore and stabilize the purchasing power of money, thereby enhancing and protecting the value of wages, pensions and savings.  (d) To encourage the introduction of all forms of automation, thereby increasing production and the standard of living.  (e) To encourage skill in all fields of endeavour by ensuring that skill is justly rewarded.  (f) To promote the speedy introduction of labour-saving devices, both industrial and domestic.  (g) To ensure that, in an age of increasing automation with machines progressively taking over the  work of more and more men, incomes will nevertheless be maintained so that all may share in  the benefits of automation.  (h) To increase the opportunity for engaging in. and  facilities available for, educational, cultural and  recreational activities.  (i) To recover complete control of New Zealand's economic affairs and establish greater political independence.  OUR FIRST STEPS.  (a) We will introduce a Bill of Rights for New Zealand, to limit the power of Government and safe-guard the individual against the invasion of rights and liberties.  (b) We shall secure to the people of New Zealand the ownership of their own credit by setting up a National Credit Authority, responsible to Parliament, in which will be vested the power to authorize and control the issue of all credit and currency. The National Credit Authority will be charged with the duty of preparing proper statements of the National Accounts, including a National Balance Sheet. showing the true wealth and financial position of the country.  (c) We shall eliminate internal Government borrowing and progressively redeem the internal national debt. External debt will be repaid as circumstances permit.  (d) We shall reduce taxation.  (e) We shall increase pensions and other benefits to ensure that the recipients are able to maintain a reasonable standard of living comparable with other sections of the community.  (f) We shall restore subsidies on essential commodities and gradually extend them to cover a far wider range of consumer goods.  (g) We shall provide from the National Credit Account finance for approved public and local body works at cost of issue.  (h) We shall substantially increase the proportion of the national resources allocated to education.  (i) We shall enter into bi-lateral and reciprocal trade agreements on diversified markets.  The financial measures contained in these first steps will lower the whole cost structure, increase the purchasing power of the dollar, restore individual incentive and stimulate production.  FINANCE.  "The, privilege of creating and issuing money is not only the supreme prerogative of the Government, bot IT is the Government's greatest creative opportunity."  Abraham Lincoln.  "Let us do more book-keeping for the people, and less for the moneylender."  V. F. Cracknell, M.P.  1. OWNERSHIP OF CREDIT.  We will restore to the people the ownership of their own credit, so that they will be the ultimate and major beneficiaries of its use.  2. NATIONAL CREDIT AUTHORITY.  (A) The National Credit Authority will HE established by statute and will comprise suitably qualified persons who will carry out their function free from political interference.  (b) It will determine the limits or the total volume of credit creation, such limits to be restricted by the value of the nation's total production of goods and services.  (c) it will be charged with the duty of preparing proper statements of the national accounts, including a National Balance Sheet, showing the true wealth and financial position of the country. These accounts will be presented in conformity with modern accounting practice and will be tabled before Parliament annually.  (d) The amount of any deficiency in purchasing power required to equate it with consumer goods and services will be credited to the National Credit Account held at the Reserve Bank.  3. GOVERNMENT FINANCE.  Money required for Governmental purposes within New Zealand, over and above that received from revenue, will be provided from the National Credit Account at the Reserve Bank interest4ree. and, where circumstances warrant, debt-free.  4. LOCAL BODY FINANCE.  We shall provide from the National Credit Account loans free of interest, but with an administrative charge only. to local bodies for approved local body works. Priorities will be determined by the Local Authorities Loans Board. in certain circumstances, debt-free grants may be issued.  5. NATIONAL DEBT.  We shall eliminate internal Government borrowing and progressively redeem the internal National Debt. External debt will be repaid as circumstance': permit.  6. BANKING AND INVESTMENTS.  (a) Normal business relations between the trading banks and their customers will remain undisturbed. Within the limits defined by the National Credit Authority, credits will be issued through tk2 trading banks as agents at reasonable rates of interest sufficient to recompense the trading banks for their services.  (b) Post Office and Trustee Savings Banks will be maintained as repositories for the people’s savings and equitable rates of interest will be paid. Full cheque facilities will be made available to depositors.  (c) Savings institutions such as Building Societies will be encouraged to invest in private industry. The present directives insisting that a percentage of loan money be channelled into Government Stock will be revoked.  (d) The Trustee Act 1956 will be amended t@ enable trustee investments to be made in approved agricultural and industrial undertakings.  (e) A National investment Corporation will be established to advise on avenues of investment. and investments approved by the Corporation will be state guaranteed.  7 STABILIZATION.  To stabilize the cost of living and ensure that the benefits accruing to the nation from the implementation of a Social Credit economy are safeguarded. we shall:  (a) Restore subsidies (i.e. establish Compensated Prices) on essential commodities and gradually extend them to cover a far wider range of consumer goods, without adding to taxation.  (b) Revise the administration of the Control of Prices Act 1947 and the Trade Practices Act l~58.  8. MONOPOLIES AND TAKEOVERS.  In the interests of consumers, adequate legislation will be introduced to govern takeovers and BUSINESS monopolies.  9. TAXATION.  (a) We shall increase the personal exemption from income tax and also the exemption claimable in respect of a wife or housekeeper, children and dependent relatives.  (b) We shall progressively reduce indirect taxation.  (c) Death duties will be abolished on estates up to  540.000. tax to begin at 540.001 value. Farms and family businesses passed on to immediate members of the family will be eligible for an additional exemption of 540.000 provided legatees operate them for seven years. A further death within that period of seven years will not entail further death duties.  (d) We shall reduce and ultimately abolish all land tax.  10. COMPANY TAXATION.  A revision of company taxation will be undertaken to ensure greater equity and increased incentive.  11. FINANCIAL YEAR.  To bring our national accounting system into accord with New Zealand's trading pattern. the financial year will end on June 30.  12. SPECIAL DRAWING RIGHTS.  We are interested to see that the International Monetary Fund has recognised the need for the creation of credit to facilitate international trade by proposals for Special Drawing Rights.  This is an admission that the previous system was not working and that it was possible and practicable to create credit internationally. relating it 10 production.  The Managing Director of the I.M.F.. Mr. Pierre-Paul Scbweitzen explained the nature of the S.D.R.'s thus in 1967: "These Special Drawing Rights. created. as it were. by a stroke of the pen. will be essentially entries in the books of the Fund."  The League has stated for years the need for, and the practicability of, relating the money and credit supply to the total value of goods and services. Now that this has been recognised internationally. we look forward to recognition nationally.  LOCAL GOVERNMENT.  Social Credit believes in the decentralization of control, and to this end a Social Credit Government will allow local bodies greater scope in which to operate, with resulting benefits to the people they serve.  We recognize the duty of the central government as being to establish a climate in which local bodies may be free and able to develop their communities.  1. ADMINISTRATION.  (a) To eliminate existing anomalies. consolidation and revision of the statutes governing counties and municipalities will be undertaken in consultation with the New Zealand Counties and Municipal Associations.  (b) In rural areas particularly. the incorporation of ad hoc authorities with the major local body. for administrative purposes only. would be encouraged where economy and efficiency could be improved.  2. FINANCE.  Subject to approval by the Local Authorities Loans Board. development finance will be made available free of interest but with an administrative charge only. In certain circumstances. free grants will be provided to make possible the establishment of basic community amenities such as water supply and drainage and sewer-age systems.  Such assistance will speed development -and relieve communities of heavy demands for debt servicing which wilt in turn reduce rates or allow their use in more beneficial directions.  3. RATING (SEE APPENDIX).  The present outdated. inequitable. and costly system of assessing local body rates will be phased out and replaced by a system based on land classification in the case of ritual land. and. in the case of urban property. zoning in accordance with the approved town plan. Local bodies will have the option of rating on a zonal or riding basis. -  Benefits referred to in section 2 above will lessen the importance of rating as a source of revenue.  4. BOUNDARY CHANGES.  In all cases where boundary changes are proposed.  a poll of the ratepayers concerned will he taken and  a majority decision will be required before any change  is made.  5. Ward Representation  A ward system of representation on local bodies may be decided at a poll on the petition of 5 per cent of ratepayers in the area.  6. LOCAL BODY HOUSING.  Pensioner housing schemes will receive greater encouragement and liberalization of the Rural Housing Act 1939 will be considered.  7. CIVIL DEFENCE.  We shall continue to have local civil defence organizations administered by local bodies and we shall reimburse them their administrative costs which are at present an added burden to their already strained finances.  8. Noxious WEEDS.  Greater amounts of finance will he provided to enable all noxious weeds to be controlled.  9. URBAN RENEWAL  A Social Credit Government will recognize the urgency of dealing with the problems of urban renewal and will take early steps to establish positive programmes in co-operation with local authorities.  10. MUNICIPAL COMPOSTING.  Local authorities wishing to establish composting plants will be assisted financially to encourage the corn-posting of sewage wastes. The inter-departmental committee for refuse disposal of organic wastes will be re-constituted to actively promote such schemes and to co-ordinate them with pollution control under the Water and Soil Conservation Act 1967.  11. CREMATORIA.  Local bodies in our larger centres will be encouraged to provide crematoria. and financial assistance will he given towards this end.  12. REFERENDA.  Where a local body has held a referendum on any issue, the result will be binding until varied by a further referendum.  13. THE OMBUDSMAN.  The jurisdiction of the Ombudsman will be extended to cover all local bodies.  SOCIAL SECURITY AND WELFARE.  We recognize that the basic standard of living is governed by the level of national production.  We believe that by right every New Zealander is entitled to A basic standard of living. A Social Credit Government will guarantee that no citizen. whether man, woman or child, will fall below the basic standard of living for reasons beyond the control of the individual concerned.  1. SOCIAL SECURITY.  A Social Credit Government will recognize the fact that all citizens should benefit from the Social Security system.  (a) We shall increase pensions and other benefits to ensure that the recipients are able to maintain a reasonable standard of living comparable with other sections of the community.  (b) We shall revise the Social Security Act 1964 and remove a number of anomalies and restrictions which unjustly penalize applicants for benefits. For example: -  (i) A married man will be entitled to draw a Sick Benefit or a Disability Benefit without his wife first ceasing to work.  (ii) A self-employed person will be entitled to draw a benefit without undergoing a means test if his income ceases when sickness intervenes.  (c) Beneficiaries will be entitled to an annual warrant for free travel on Government-owned road and rail services outside holiday periods.  (d) Provision for telephones and washing machines will be made in conjunction with each block of pensioner flats.  (e) We shall exempt all old age and invalid pensioners from payment of radio and television licence fees.  (f) Towards the ultimate abolition of the means test. we will progressively increase the allowable income of all pensioners.  2. MAINTENANCE PAYMENTS.  In order to ensure certainty and regularity in maintenance payments to wives living apart from their husbands, we shall introduce a system whereby all maintenance awards and agreements will be registerable with the Social Security Department. Upon registration, the amount of the award or agreement will be paid regularly to the wife by the Department which will be empowered to take any steps necessary to secure reimbursement from the husband.  Maintenance awards and agreements shall be subject to an automatic increase proportionate to any wage order increase. The husband shall have right of appeal.  3. SOCIAL WELFARE.  It is the duty of Government, on behalf of the people, to ensure that those less fortunate sections of the community such as the blind. The infirm, the intellectually handicapped and the aged are adequately provided for financially. so that they may obtain the best of attention and enjoy a fair standard of living  We believe that voluntary organizations provide a valuable adjunct to the administration of Government policy, as they are not hound by strict rules and regulations and can therefore show greater understanding and humanity in certain cases. These organizations will be given every encouragement in their work, and, where necessary. authority to direct expenditure.  A Social Credit Government. in recognition of tile work of voluntary groups, particularly in the field or child welfare, will encourage and assist such organizations as Birthright. Budgeting Advisory Service, Heritage, Marriage Guidance Service and Prisoners Aid to extend still further their fields of activity.  4. CHILD WELFARE.  We believe that no child should suffer because of an imperfection of either parent. for example, moral or criminal.  We believe that any child afflicted with any physical or mental handicap should have the opportunity to lead as full and active a life as possible.  Where suitable accommodation is not at present available, a Social Credit Government will provide buildings and vest such buildings in the name of trustees acting for the voluntary organization involved.  A Social Credit Government will actively assist and encourage adoption as a means of relieving the prob. ferns arising from the present high illegitimacy rate. Legal fees in the case of adopted children will be met by Government.  5. PUBLICITY.  We shall publicize the benefits and methods of assistance which are written into legislation so that all eligible persons will know the extent and details or such legislation.  LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT.  A Social Credit economy provides the groundwork for a type of employer/employee relationship which has hitherto been unattainable IN an order of society based on a system of finance unable to meet the requirements of modern industrial progress.  We see a proper relationship as one in which no member of our society benefits unless he benefits others: in which all members, according to their contribution of effort arid skill, receive their fair and proper share of the standard of living they make p05-sible; in which wage earners re-assert their dignity and self-respect as vital members of the productive community together with their fellows in business management. farming and the professions-all engaged in the task of building a better New Zealand which we may all enjoy.  I. INCOMES.  We shall ensure that wage earners receive an income from their basic weekly employment which is adequate to provide a good standard of living for themselves and their families,  2. MARGIN OF SKILL.  It will be our object to establish thirty-three and one third per cent as the margin between skilled and unskilled workers after consultation with trade unions and industry.  3. RESEARCH.  We shal1 foster and assist the expansion of industrial research and training to improve the natural efficiency and ability of New Zealand workers. Scholarships will he made available to enable them to study and train overseas.  4. TRADE UNIONS.  We acknowledge the right of all workers to organize and strive to improve their conditions, rates of pay and hours of work. We also see trade unions as a source of knowledge and skill. co-operating with industrial management to achieve greater progress for all.  5. CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION.  We AFFIRM our endorsement of the principle of conciliation and arbitration in the settlement of industrial disputes. We shall investigate the provisions and ad-ministration of the present Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act 1954 and carry out such revisions as 'nay be found desirable to expedite prompt action in dealing with industrial disputes.  6. HOLIDAYS.  We shall arrange a meeting of interested parties to study the possibility of staggering annual holidays throughout the year in order to ensure the provision of adequate services at all times.  7. EMPLOYMENT.  We uphold the principle of full employment. All wage earners displaced for any reason. whether from economic conditions or from automation. Will be paid their award rate until other employment is available if, however, a worker refuses employment near his home and suited to his capabilities, he will cease to receive the award rate. Such employment may include attendance at a training establishment  8. AUTOMATION.  Social Credit welcomes automation because its enlightened financial policy is geared to receive it. The wage earner need have nothing to fear from automation, as his income is assured and will have more buying power to allow his full participation in the increased national standards of living which will result.  9. BUSINESS FINANCE.  We shall financially assist suitably qualified workers wishing to establish their own businesses. This will be available under conditions similar to those provided tinder the rehabilitation scheme for ex-servicemen.  10. CO-OPERATIVE ENTERPRISE.  WE favour the principle of co-operative enterprise. In the case of monopoly in any industry we shall actively assist in the formation of co-operative supply organizations so that small operators will be free from the dictates of monopoly groups.  11. SAFETY.  Present legislation on the subject of industrial safety will be revised and strengthened in its administration so that it may better safeguard workers against accidents and also minimize the loss to industry of valuable man-hours.  HOUSING.  We believe that the family unit is the most important social factor for a stable, prosperous and united nation.  The individual is largely the product of his environment. and therefore high priority will be given by a Social Credit Government to improving housing standards.  To ensure that existing services are utilized to the full. to reduce the cost of providing essential services, and to contain urban sprawl within reasonable hounds, it is essential that a new architectural approach he made to ensure that the privacy of the individual is protected, whilst planning for higher density living.  Home ownership will be encouraged to the full.  Private enterprise. local bodies and central Government should combine to provide the pressing needs for rental accommodation.  We believe that a number of present-day social problems can be overcome by ensuring that an integrated cross-section of the community is provided for in all housing development planning.  1. URBAN DEVELOPMENT.  (See also policy on Natural Resources and Land Administration.)  As there is only a limited amount of first class land in New Zealand the emphasis will be on the use of second and third class land for housing. The concept of the satellite suburb or township. with the provision of first class rail and road communications to serve them, will be fostered.  2. RE-DEVELOPMENT.  The prime function of local bodies and Government should be in the field of reconstruction. In larger towns and cities there are decaying areas which require reconstruction. Finance will be made available to local bodies undertaking this type OR work.  3. MULTI-STOREY FLATS.  In order to discourage urban sprawl. and encourage the more economic use of existing essential services. we shall phase out the present State Housing policy and substitute for it the building of multi-storey flats, with adequate parkland playing areas. This policy will result in the following advantages:-  (a) Reticulated services will he less costly per unit.  (b) Roading and streets will he less costly.  (c) Transport services will be more economic.  (d) The movement of labour will be facilitated.  (E) THE decaying hearts of our cities will he rejuvenated.  4. STATE ADVANCES CORPORATION.  The Stale Advances Corporation will continue 10 provide finance for housing tinder the following conditions:-  (a) Tile interest rate will be no more than three per cent.  (b) Any proposition Will be treated on its merits. whether it be for a new dwelling or for renovating or extending an existing one.  (c) The assistance OR an architect in the drawing of plans and specifications can be included in the loan.  (d) There will be no fixed limit for loan propositions. but restrictions will be determined rather on the ability to meet charges.  (e) 1oans on leasehold land will be dealt with on nil equal basis to those on ]and held in fee simple.  (f) Encouragement will be given to multi-storey dwellings.  5. RURAL HOUSING.  in country areas and rural towns we shall expedite the building of accommodation for civil servants. school teachers and other rural workers to ensure adequate services to the rural community.  6. STAMP DUTY.  IT will BE our ultimate aim to exempt from' stamp duty the first purchase of a house to be occupied by the purchaser up to the sum of $8.OOO.  IMMIGRACION.  New Zealand's greatest need is to retain the services of its own citizens. The net Toss of population. particularly of those with academic and business acumen. through better overseas prospects can only be countered by offering such people equal or better prospects to stay or to return.  This can be achieved by stabilizing our cost of living. decreasing our present disincentive taxation level. and regaining the confidence of our people by providing administration that will satisfy these points.  So that the country's productive wealth is developed to the full, in all facets of our economy. a Social Credit Government will continue a policy of immigration by selected and approved people. The number of immigrants admitted each year will he controlled to ensure that their absorption into the labour force will not create unemployment and that accommodation and national facilities will be adequate. We shall continue to take a proportion of families with handicapped members.  NATURAL RESOURCES AND LAND ADMINISTRATION.  LAND is our heritage. indeed the very basis OR this country's existence. The principle OF private ownership is one of trust to ensure that future generations will receive it in as good a condition or better than when it was first developed.  No one will be permitted to speculate in or abuse or destroy land. which is the basic producer of wealth.  New Zealand's natural resources must be developed for the benefit of all New Zealanders. and soil conservation must be regarded as a protection of our greatest natural resource, the land.  Social Credit will do everything possible to prevent pollution of air, soil, and water.  1. NATURAL RESOURCES.  Every New Zealander is very conscious that a NEW philosophy is urgently required in order to preserve our natural resources. and to enable a scientific and common-sense approach to this all-important problem.  To this end, therefore, a Social Credit Government will create a new Ministerial position of senior status. that of Natural Resources: and for the purposes of "resource use" all land users will be responsible to the Minister of Natural Resources.  The Ministry of Natural Resources will provide personnel whose function it will be to determine scientifically, on the basis of physical properties of the soil, topography and economics. the optimum land use, and to formulate a broad national land use policy:  2. BASIC AND RENEWABLE RESOURCES.  The Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act 1941, the Water and Soil Conservation Act 1967, the Nature Conservation Act 1967, the Nature Conservation Council Act 1962 and other relevant legislation will be suitably amended to provide for the above functions and duties under the Minister of Natural Resources. The national soil and water organization will be suitably reorganized in order to serve the policy requirements under the new Ministry. which wilt be charged with soil and water conservation as an over-riding authority. All departments administering the land and its use will be subsidiary to. and act as agents of the Minister of Natural Resources.  As a first major step, the qualifications of professional officers employed on soil and water conservation will he considerably improved and a major training scheme, predominantly overseas in the first instance, will be put into effect.  The management of water is inseparable from soil conservation. and the Minister of Natural Resources will he responsible for the control of all waterways. and for the delivery of water for all purposes. In general, each catchment will have one over-riding objective of management to which other objectives will he subordinate.  The resources of the sea are OR no less importance to the future well-being of this country than the resources of the land, and must in consequence be managed to ensure a continuing yield.  3. NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES.  All minerals are inherently part of New Zealand's basic wealth and belong to New Zealanders collectively. All mineral wealth, therefore, must be secured to the Crown on behalf of the people.  Minerals are not unlimited. and although we may not be in a position to exploit all our raw materials at present. we shall need them in time. Our policy will be to ration these resources. as a basis for manufacture or processing in this country. Although export of minerals in a raw state may appear attractive from time to time, this should not be permitted to obscure the major long-term advantages of retaining them for our own use as and when we require them.  The present mining regulations will be amended to ensure that all mining operations as they affect our first and second class land and mineral resources will be evaluated on the basis of the long-term benefit to New Zealand. This responsibility will lie with the Minister of Natural Resources.  4. LAND USE COMMITTEES.  Land Use Committees will be established from suit-able professional personnel from interested professional bodies to advise the Minister of Natural Resources on the correct land usage within each region. These Committees will also make recommendations to the Lands and Survey Department which will administer the Town and Country Planning Act 1953 to which all land transactions will be subject.  S. URBAN DEVELOPMENT.  In order to utilize our land to the best advantage. all land adjacent to major cities and boroughs. when offered for sale or subdivision, will he purchased by  the Crown at a negotiated price. Following classification of the said areas, titles will be issued with sufficient protection to ensure the best possible usage..  6. ENDOWMENT LAND.  As local bodies will no longer he dependent on revenue from endowment land under a Social Credit economy, these areas, subject to their being classified as farm land, will be brought within the scope of the Land Act 1948 which would give the lessees the right of freehold.  7. CROWN LEASEHOLD.  The Land Act 1948 will be amended to ensure that rentals on all Crown leaseholds will be fixed with due regard to the productive capacity of the unit concerned. and the lessee will be given just value for his improvements. The purchase of Crown Leasehold on deferred payment licence without deposit will be introduced.  8. RATING (SEE APPENDIX).  The present outdated, inequitable. and costly system of assessing local body rates will be phased out and replaced by a system based on land classification in the case of rural land, and. in the case of urban property, zoning in accordance with the approved town plan. Local bodies wilt have the option of rating on a zonal or riding basis.  9. FARM HOLDINGS.  It will BE the objective of A Social Credit Government. by reducing and ultimately stabilizing costs, to ensure that farm holdings remain economic from one generation to the next. and thus protect the individual's equity in the land.  10. LAND INVESTMENT.  Social Credit IS opposed to foreign interests or persons buying New Zealand land titles and mineral rights unless it can he proved to be an advantage to New Zealand.  11. ACCLIMATIZATION SOCIETIES.  Voluntary organizations such as Acclimatization Societies wilt continue their present. valuable administrative role.  We align ourselves with all organisations opposed to takeovers of our inherited rights.  12. Noxious Animals.  The present policy of extermination will be replaced by a policy of control. although the extermination policy will be retained in certain critical areas.  We are very much in favour of private hunting. both for our young population and for visitors to this country. Where the over-riding prescription for any area of land is for hunting and other recreation, we intend to assist with access and accommodation.  We are sympathetic to the orderly development of meat hunting for export as an economic method of controlling noxious animals.  13. NOXIOUS WEEDS.  New Zealand cannot afford the continuing loss of private and public land to noxious weeds, Eradication, or at least control, will be pursued with the utmost vigour on ~l land, whether publicly or privately owned.  Where private individuals cannot stand the cost of this, the finance will be made available interest-free as a charge against the property.  14. MANAPOURI-DOUBTFUL SOUND PROJECT.  A Social Credit Government would be opposed to the raising of Lake Manapouri above the present mean high water level.  MINING, FUEL AND POWER.  Of all New Zealand's non-renewable resources, coal, of which there are known to be vast reserves, must be regarded as one of the most valuable because of the wealth of mineral by-products which will be increasingly required for the development of our secondary industries so necessary for a balanced economy. The use of coal. therefore. for anything other than industrial purposes will not he regarded favorably.  It will be the duty of the Minister of Natural Re-sources to ensure that the development of electric power from hydro resources will in no way diminish or eliminate the valuable contribution that the continuing sustained yield from the land will provide to the national economy for the years ahead.  Although small local hydro plants appear to be not as economic as the major schemes, they could be developed to good advantage for the overall security of New Zealand. In times of national disaster it is very evident that smaller regional schemes prove invaluable in ensuring that essential services are maintained.  It is basic Social Credit philosophy that every New Zealander should benefit to an equal extent from our natural resources. regardless of their situation, As electric power is universally used by everyone, it will he the ultimate aim of a Social Credit Government to have a basic fiat rate for a unit of electric power throughout the country. affecting city and rural dwellers alike.  1. MINING.  (i) Coal. It has long been recognized that the use of coal as a premium fuel is a wasteful and uneconomic utilization of one of our most valuable resources. Bearing in mind the requirements of existing industries, both primary and secondary, a Social Credit Government would investigate the establishment of coat utilization plants with the following products in mind:  (a) Nitrogenous manures for our primary industries.  (b) Chemical dyes for our woollen mills.  (c) Light and heavy oils, and petroleum.  (d) Metallurgical coke.  (e) Any other by-product essential to industry.  Specialized coal deposits will be conserved for the purposes to which they are most essential.  (ii) Other Minerals.-(See also policy on Natural Resources and Land Administration.) It will be the immediate policy of a Social Credit Government to ensure that only those minerals being utilized for local industry continue to be mined, and that royalties paid will be relative to the contribution to the national economy.  (iii) Oil. -We will ensure that New Zealanders will receive the benefit from any positive results from the exploration for oil at present being carried out.  2. ELECTRIC POWER.  Forward planning of future electric power requirements. including the provision of geo-thermal and nuclear generating stations, is at an advanced stage. It would appear that although the capital cost of hydro schemes is higher, their running costs are lower.  In deciding the merits and demerits of the various projects. a Social Credit Government would favour the long-term benefit in relation to the short-term economy.  Local Schernes.-Power supply authorities will be encouraged to develop their own power resources where it can be shown that it is economically sound and in the public interest.  AGRICULTURE.  Tile agricultural and pastoral aspect of our primary industry. which accounts for approximately 90 per cent of New Zealand's national export income, is suffering the most serious upsurge of costs this century. This in turn is having a most detrimental effect on the economics of farming, and if allowed to continue, will place in jeopardy the very life-blood upon which our prosperity depends in the foreseeable future.  This serious trend of events must not be allowed to continue. Top priority will be given to placing this industry on a sound financial footing and thus restoring confidence in further agricultural development and investment.  New Zealand's greatest asset is its climate and its soils. the combination of which. together with the vigour and ingenuity of its people. has enabled us to become the leading grassland farming country in the world. with the highest per capita output.  If the purpose of production is consumption. then the world-wide shortage of markets can only mean that the present financial policy is a miserable failure. The present policy of "produce or perish" must give way to one of “exchange and prosper".  As a nation which has achieved great things. let us not only capitalize on what has already been achieved, but also provide a sound financial policy for the future.  A Social Credit Government will direct its farming policy towards security of tenure, promoting further development and settlement. assisting with the control of erosion, and ensuring the necessary incentives for further production by:  (a) Stabilizing costs.  (b) Reducing taxation.  (c) Ensuring finance at reasonable rates or interest.  (d) Providing adequate services for the rural community.  The operations of and profits made by overseas and other companies operating in the wholesale field will be investigated, with the object of ensuring to the primary producer the best possible returns for his products.  This section of policy embraces all types of farming including poultry. bees, fruit and market gardening.  1. PRODUCE PRICES.  Social Credit is pledged to assure the primary producer his costs of production, which includes his just reward on a basis equivalent to the rest of the community.  BECAUSE THE NEW ZEALAND dairy industry operates on a co-operative basis and is responsible for the marketing of its own produce. we state below details of how our policy would apply to dairy farmers. The same policy would be offered to other primary producing industries, if they chose to accept it on an industry basis,  (i) A Court of Price Review will be set up as a judicial body. This will set the price for dairy produce from evidence supplied to it from all interested parties. Only the industry will have the right to appeal to this Court.  (ii) The existing internal financing of the dairy industry through the Reserve Bank will be retained as at present, This account will be self-balancing in the ultimate. to the extent that overseas realisations are equal to or exceed the internal payout.  (iii) In the event of an upturn in overseas prices ensuring an accumulation of credit funds, these funds will be held in overseas accounts. Any book deficit will not be regarded as a debt owed by the dairy industry. The present payment is inadequate and it also constitutes a debt.  (iv) The stabilization of internal costs will be the major factor in ensuring the self-balancing of the dairy industry Reserve Bank Account.  The basic price for primary produce under a Social Credit Government will he arrived at according to the following criteria, aiming to:  (a) Provide the average efficient farmer with a good standard of living.  (b) Enable farmers to pay competitive rates of pay.  Cc) Allow them reasonable interest on capital invested in their farms and stock.  (d) Enable them to meet all costs, including any tariffs.  (e) Allow them a remuneration commensurate with the services they render, and with that obtained by other members of the community who render equal services,  (f) Preserve the capital invested in the land.  (g) Stimulate the full use or the land.  (h) Maintain the stability and efficiency of the industry in the national interest.  2. FINANCE.  Finance through all Government agencies, for example. the State Advances Corporation for purchase and development and the Lands and Survey Depart-meat for marginal lands and civilian settlement. will be at no more than 3 per cent interest.  3. PRODUCER POOL ACCOUNTS.  Funds in Producer Pool Accounts will become trust funds, administered by the industry.  4. CO-OPERATIVES.  The extension of co-operatives will be encouraged, and all profits made by them will he exempt from company taxation. Profits distributed to the producers. however, will he assessable income in their hands.  5- PRODUCTION INCENTIVES.  Increases in production (basic production to HE THE average of the preceding three years) will BE TAX FREE.  6. LAND DEVELOPMENT.  All Crown land, together with Maori land, that is being developed for farming purposes will be under a Corporation to be formed from the present Land Development Branch of the Lands and Survey Department.  No land suitable for development and subdivision will be declined for purchase on the pretext of lack of finance.  The present policy of land development will be pursued with vigour. and farm units will be made available for settlement as soon as they are physically ready. as was the case with the settlement of ex-servicemen.  7. LAND SETTLEMENT.  Greater emphasis will be placed on settlement, as we believe that the most efficient farmer is the owner-occupier.  The immediate objective will be to ballot at least 100 units per annum. No restrictions will be placed on who may apply. and from these applicants will be selected those eligible for ballots, as decided by the Land Settlement Committees, with up to 100 per cent finance.  Values placed on the units being offered for ballot will have due regard to the productive capacity of the unit, and will not he fixed entirely on comparative SALES.  In order to protect the Crown against possible speculation, settlement units offered for sale within 7 years must be re-offered to the Crown, which will pay due compensation for all improvements effected up to the time of sale.  8. IRRIGATION.  (a) The use of finance at administrative cost for the establishment of irrigation schemes will apply.  (b) where irrigation can be shown to OFFER Substantial benefits, farmers will be given the opportunity to establish such a scheme sut~3ectto at. least 60 per cent of the occupiers accepting a rating charge to cover operating costs.  (c) Full engineering. agricultural and economic investigations will be undertaken before any scheme is commenced.  (d) Subject to the foregoing conditions, such schemes will be proceeded with immediately men, machines and materials are available.  (e) Loan repayments will he at the rate of l per cent for the first year, rising yearly by half of 1 per cent until a maximum of 5 per cent per annual is reached.  9. FARM HOUSING.  Where a new house is built for occupation by the farmer himself, and the existing house is suitable fur occupation by, and is in fact used to house, a farm employee. the new house will qualify for initial or special depreciation up to a maximum of $8,000.  10. CAPITAL STOCK.  Farmers will be given the right to choose between the present system of standard values for livestock, whereby all stock is trading stock, and a system whereby capital stock is treated as such, and only trading stock is taken into account in arriving at the taxable; income. No additional tax will be incurred in making the changeover.  11. RESERVE ACCOUNTS.  All farmers will be given the opportunity to voluntarily establish reserve accounts to cover disaster due to natural phenomena and not otherwise insurable similar to the Snow Loss Reserve legislation.  12. RURAL HOUSING.  We shall expedite the building of accommodation in country areas and rural towns. (See also under Housing policy.)  13. LAND VALUATION.  The present system of land valuation serves no useful purpose other than as a basis for assessing rate'. and will therefore he discontinued. (See also policy on Natural Resources and Land Administration.)  14. FARM ADVISORY SERVICES.  The Farm Improvement Club concept of advisor' services will be fostered and assisted.  15. STOCK DISEASE CONTROL.  The skills of fully qualified veterinarians must at all limes be utilized to the full in the sphere of disEASE prevention and control.  16. FARM EMPLOYEES' TAXATION.  To encourage farm workers. the same taxation deductions as allowed to farmers will apply-that is. maintenance of their own gear and animals, car depreciation, and telephone rental if not paid by the owner.  17. Death DUTIES.  Death duties will be abolished on estates up to $40,000, tax to begin at $40,001 value. Farms passed on to immediate members of the family will he eligible for an additional exemption of $40,000, provided legatees operate them for seven years. A further death within that period of seven years will not entail further death duties.  OVERSEAS TRADE.  The present protectionist approach by individual countries, whether by means of economic sanctions or the quota system, engenders friction and jealousy between nations which often ends in open conflict.  These policies are largely the result of inadequate internal monetary systems.  As a means of establishing secure markets over the widest possible area, and to show by example a method of dealing with the problems of world trade. a Social Credit Government will implement the following policy.  RECIPROCAL AND BILATERAL TRADE.  An application will be immediately lodged with G.A.T.T. for a waiver of the Agreement. to permit reciprocal and bilateral trading with countries other than our traditional markets. and reduce tariffs gradually, thus reducing internal costs, making all exports more competitive on overseas markets.  EXPORT CREDITS.  An Export Credit Account will be established at the Reserve flank for those countries willing to reciprocate, so that trading may proceed unhampered by balance of payments problems. Such credits will be at a nominal rate only. and. where justified (such as in the case of underdeveloped countries). will be interest-free. This latter aspect would ensure that trade policies based on the principle of economic justice rather than charitable aid are pursued.  BOARD OF TRADE.  A Board of Trade will be set up, with the responsibility of carrying out a long-term policy of import allocation related to export earnings. The quantum of imports must be kept in annual balance with our EXPort earnings. after providing for our external debt servicing. Exceptions may be necessary from time to time to ensure that essential capital equipment and raw materials are imported for the development and benefit of the country as a whole. (See also policy on Secondary Industries.) Sufficient exchange will be reserved for this purpose.  TRADE COMMISSIONERS.  The time is overdue for the appointment of wellqualified Trade Commissioners to ensure adequate overseas promotion of New Zealand's industry. both primary and secondary. Towards this end a Social Credit Government will establish consular offices and trading posts wherever practicable with the object of furthering reciprocal and bilateral trade. To ensure that trade promotion is prosecuted with the utmost vigour Trade Commissioners will be appointed from the commercial field for contractual periods on terms attractive to wellqualified men. Such appointments will he outside the jurisdiction of the State Service Commission.  EXPORT DEVELOPMENT.  There is no doubt that we must continue to diversify our products. in both primary and secondary industries, and see that our skills and resources are fully utilized. All that is basically necessary to ensure that our exporting industries make unimpeded progress is to provide sufficient incentive by way of taxation relief. This can best be achieved by increased taxation exemptions for travelling and advertising.  Financial assistance will be given to those industries developing new products and to new industries considered worthy of promotion by the Trade Commissioners for particular markets. (See also proposals for a National Investment Corporation under policy on Finance.)  FOREIGN INVESTMENT.  A Social Credit Government will introduce adequate measures to prevent foreign investors from obtaining a dominant interest in New Zealand property or industry.  SALES PROMOTION.  A Social Credit Government will use all possible means to promote sales of New Zealand products to potential markets and employ qualified market research personnel from private enterprise.  SECONDARY INDUSTRY.  TILE MAINTENANCE and expansion of existing industries and the setting up of new industries will receive encouragement and CO-operation. The interests of the New Zealand people will always he paramount where foreign participation through overseas investment is sought, and the growing trend towards overseas control will he halted. Outgoings of New Zealand exchange as earnings by overseas investors will not exceed the savings and/or earnings of exchange effected by the operations of any industry.  The establishment of new industries based on the use of our own raw materials, processing and pack-aging of primary products, and production of goods for export and home consumption will be actively assisted by the following means:-  I. Expansion of industrial research.  2. Provision of development finance under reasonable terms.  3. Taxation incentives and realistic depreciation allowances on plant and equipment.  4. Board of Trade control of import licence allocations, free from Government interference, to ensure an adequate flow of imports of necessary raw materials, and to afford protection where required for all sections of industry.  5. An accelerated intake of assisted immigration.  6. Liberalizing of transport regulations to promote greater economy and efficiency.  7. An enlightened labour and employment policy which will bring about greater co-operation between wage earners and management in developing our industries to mutual and general advantage.  8. Establishing assured markets for export production by measures set out in the policy section on Overseas Trade.  FORESTRY.  The guidelines to any practical and effective forest policy for New Zealand are correct land usage, management for high yields, the most modern refinements of technique, and actual and potential markets.  The role of our valuable native forests of Podocarpus and Notofagus (beech) cannot be minimized without danger to our watersheds, wild life and river Systems. As protective forest, our native species must be preserved and extended where possible.  Regional planning techniques will reveal those areas of the country best suited to large-scale afforestation and production of merchantable lumber. Such areas would include cut-over native forest, eroded bad lands, and abandoned pastoral country. Such areas under profitable utilization would be of tremendous value to the national economy.  The rate of growth of softwood conifers such as Pinus Radiata approaches the highest in the world. The yield per acre for forest products is higher than that of any agricultural or pastoral utilization. Forestry gainfully employs a larger number OR personnel per acre than agriculture. A vigorous forest industry is commensurate with a high standard of living and an internally buoyant economy.  In view of the almost certain acceleration of utilization of forest products, with expanding populations and increasing pressure on arable lands throughout the world. the possibility of a world timber shortage is no longer remote. The potential market for New Zealand forest products over the next twenty years is tremendous. New Zealand could be the largest soft-wood timber producer in the southern hemisphere,  1. TIMBER PRODUCTION.  (a) Selected areas of native forests will he managed for sustained yields of highest quality special purpose timber. and such plantings will be extended in all areas subject to steep slopes or which are classified as being watersheds.  (b) Supplies of native timbers will he rationed on a fair and equitable basis for the benefit of all interested industries.  (c) The rate and the acreage of exotic plantings will be expanded to supply wood processing industries in New Zealand with raw materials, and so that a large export surplus of valuable and varied forest products is built up. thus saving and earning foreign exchange Simultaneously. The far north will be revitalized by planting all available and suitable land with fast-growing exotics. The target will be to double the rate of forest establishment.  2. WOOD UTILISATION.  To he financially justified and for reduction of overall costs, forest industries should he large, completely mechanized and integrated into forest areas. The target should be the complete utilization of the log for lumber. paper pulp, wood distillation products, dyes, fuels, plastics. paints, oils, emulsions, wood proteins and sugars, alcohols etc. Such a policy would guarantee 'vital raw materials for our industries and save appreciable purchases of oils and fuels from abroad.  Where surplus wood exists and is going to waste, we shall subsidize its export so that markets can be satisfied and growers paid. For example, there is a mass of wood going to waste in New Zealand which Japan wants and which the owners want to get rid of.  3. EXPORTS.  We believe that timber exports will one day come to he of vastly increased importance. We shall plan towards at least six major additional forests (of l5O.QOO acres or more) distributed throughout New Zealand as the basis for very large wood using industries.  4. TIMBER PRICE STRUCTURE.  (a) To see that the grower obtains a proper return for his labour, we shall establish floor prices for timber, publicly promulgated.  (b) To see that the buyer obtains value for money. we intend to assist the industry in every way to improve its practices.  5. FARM' FORESTRY AND LOCAL BODY FORESTRY.  (a) We shall set up local Boards of Management which will be charged with assisting farm forestry. administering the ER loan scheme and act as a selling agent for timber and other forest products grown on farms etc. These Boards will provide expert contracting services.  (5) Funds will be made available for establishing forest stands on Maori land, in similar fashion to the present farm forestry loans scheme.  (e) We believe that several special markets for timber among other things to beautify the countryside. We propose to invite the nursery trade to Co-operate with the Boards of Management in this matter.  (d) The farming community needs a supply of cheap reliable trees. We intend to co-operate with the nursery trade to see that these are freely available.  (e) We believe that several special markets for timber can be supplied by farmers better than by large enterprises or the state, for example. veneer woods, poplars. etc. We intend to promote this aspect by the provision of high quality seed sources. These will be devoted principally to those items which are now imported and which are likely to become unavailable from overseas in the future.  (f) Private individuals will he allowed to charge the cost of forest plantation development against income tax purposes.  (g) Income from farm forestry may be spread over a five-year period at normal rates or taxation.  6. COMPANY FORESTRY.  We intend to provide the incentives for private afforestation in connection with utilization plants. Companies will be invited to submit proposals. each of which will have to be treated on its merits. Where these are approved, long-term loans at nominal rates of interest will he available. This will be a far cheaper way of promoting afforestation than State Forests. In certain circumstances land will also be made available.  7. IMPORTS.  We consider that, with very rare exceptions. we should not be dependent on timber imports. We intend to discuss this matter with the trade and work out means for producing the necessary grades and qualities of timber in this country with the object. in due course, of growing similar material for export when internal needs have been met.  EDUCATION.  It is a fact of twentieth century political life that education is one of the most extensive, one of the most expensive and one of the most vital concerns of Government. Nor will its importance. its expensiveness or its extensiveness he less as the age of automation UNFOLDS ITS POTENTIAL WONDERS TO mankind-in fact, the very age of automation and the ease or otherwise with which it makes itself at home both within our own society and within the rest of the family of nations depends very greatly on the part education plays in the matter. It is of supreme importance, therefore, to the whole well-being of New Zealanders and New Zealand that only that which is excellent will at all times be the measure and the aim of all policy that a Social Credit Government is pledged. and we believe this this will best be achieved by and through a policy based on an attitude of bold progressiveness. on recognition of both parental rights and duties in this matter. on dc-centralization of administration. experimentation with and diversification of curricula, and all this within a system that is national in concept rather than state.  We in Social Credit hold as next in importance to monetary reform the attainment of an education system that will both fashion and fit out for living the citizens of a Social Credit society within this dawning age of automation.  When we speak of excellence in education, therefore. and when we come to legislate concerning education, we shall direct all our efforts and resources towards developing and supporting the development of the whole person. spiritually. mentally. morally. aesthetically and physically.  Deeply convinced that our children are our future. and that that future will only be as good as that which we put into their formative years. a Social Credit Government will support good education, he it pre-school, primary, secondary or tertiary, wherever it is to be found.  "Our education and our future are inseparable:  on the one the other depends."  We shall substantially increase the proportion of the national resources allocated to education, so that both State and Independent schools are improved proportionately.  1. TEACHERS.  (a) Salaries-We shall negotiate immediately with bodies representative of the profession salary scales acceptable to  the profession, the community and the Government in tune with an order of priorities in education itself, but always mindful of the place that education holds in the Social Credit concept of the priorities of government.  (b) Ancillary Staffing  (i) Clerical assistance will he extended to all schools and by an increase in hours.  (II) Teacher aides will se provided on an extended priority basis.  (iii) Library assistants will be provided oil an extended priority basis.  (c) Staffing and Smaller Classes  With education regarded as second only to our financial policy in a Social Credit Government's order of priorities, our proposals concerning salaries. ancillary staffing. and indeed our whole policy. should at-tract candidates to our Teachers' Training Colleges in such numbers that we can forge ahead in all fields of teacher/pupil ratio to reducing class sizes  Our immediate target in relation to class sizes is no more than 20 pupils in sixth forms and 30 in lower forms.  We are opposed to the unethical practice of recruiting teachers from other countries.  (d) Specialist Services  We shall give urgency to the adequate extension of the following specialist services: -  (i) The extension on a national basis of guidance counselling services.  (ii) The extension of facilities in speech therapy. (iii) The extension of psychological services.  (iv) The extension of vocational guidance services, especially in rural areas,  (e) Book Allowances  We shall issue annually to each primary and secondary teacher employed by the Department and to those teachers employed by the independent schools a book voucher to the value of $40 to be spent on books pertaining to the teacher's subjects.  (f) Loans for Overseas Travel  We shall make available, under certain conditions, suspensory loans to teachers employed both by the Department and by the independent schools for the purpose of travel, exchange or study overseas.  (g) Sabbatical leave  We shall. in addition to (f) above, introduce a system of sabbatical, leave whereby both teachers with long service records and others assessed as very likely to benefit will be granted the right to leave of absence and this without loss of privilege.  Similar schemes will also be worked out for members of Teachers' Training College lecturing staffs, and for senior as well as for less senior officers of the Department who would be likely to benefit.  2. TEACHERS' TRAINING COLLEGES AND AUTONOMY.  Greater autonomy will be given to Teachers' Training Colleges. College Councils will he established and their functions will include:-  (a) Employment of College staff under the general authority of the Minister.  (b) General overseeing of the academic work and responsibility for the maintenance of a high scholastic level, discipline. and the award of certificates.  (c) The building requirements of a particular Teachers' Training College will be the responsibility of that College's Council.  (d) In addition to the representation thereon advocated by the N.Z.E.1. and the P.P.T.A.. we hold that such Councils should have representatives or the community served by the schools.  3. THE DIVISION OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY TEACHER TRAINING.  (a) We shall divide the development of teacher training and recruitment so that the recruitment anti training of secondary school teachers becomes the responsibility of the Education Department.  (b) We shall examine the whole question of the nature of secondary school teacher training.  4. SCHOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AMENITIES.  (a) Summer Schools  We shall introduce on an experimental basis Summer Schools for the general public. thus making fuller use of our colleges. many of which have splendid grounds, swimming and recreational facilities, halls. equipment, books. libraries and accommodation.  (b) Television, Radio and National Film Unit Usage  WE are anxious to see immediate use made of television and a greater use of radio as a means of both  CLASSROOM instruction and adult education. Towards this end we shall co-opt the skills of those in the National Film Unit and engaged in television and radio production to produce educational films and programmes on health, traffic. safety. civics, water safety. world  affairs. New Zealand geography. etc., for use in our schools and for adult education programmes.  (c) Assembly Halls and Gymnasia  We are well aware of the need for assembly halls and gymnasia at a number of our larger schools and colleges, particularly in rural areas where we envisage such halls and their adjacent schools as becoming centres of community activity to a far greater degree than at present.  In the case of independent schools, we shall provide loans at administrative cost to enable them to build such halls.  Care will be taken in the design of these halls to ensure that they are suitable for speech. drama and related work.  (d) Textbooks  We shall establish a Textbook Purchasing Section of the Department which will handle on behalf of the schools the direct bulk-buying of textbooks.  (e) Teaching Aids  We are of the opinion that this country lags in the provision of many types of teaching aids when those available are compared with aids being used in some overseas countries. We shall negotiate Government bulk-purchase of these where possible: where it i~ economic to do so we shall contract with local manufacturers to produce them on alternatively. the Department itself will produce them through on Aids Production and Research Section.  5. EXAMINATIONS.  Ca) School Certificate and Certificate of attainment  We are concerned about the limitations of the present School Certificate Examination and the intense but narrow field of preparation it demands of candidates. Our view is that far too much of the education given our young people is narrow and aims at specialization too soon in the student's life. We shall institute a syllabus that fits a person out for life and living as well as for earning a living. one that offers some attainable target for every pupil in the school. Moreover we shall issue to each pupil at the conclusion of his formal education. and after the sitting of an examination, a Certificate of Attainment. This Certificate will he a concise record of the particular subjects taken by the pupil. the stage 10 which lie took them. and the standard of excellence attained in each subject.  (b) University Entrance  As a future aim, and to match the raising of standards that will result from our University policy. we shall phase-in a new system of University Entrance based on the spending of two years in the Sixth Form.  The student will be required to pass an external examination at the end of his lower sixth year. and must then spend a satisfactory year in the Upper Sixth Form before he will be admitted to a University.  (c) Examinations Board  We shall bring all external examinations under the control of one representative Examinations Board.  (d) School Learning Age  We favour the eventual and progressive raising of the school leaving age as the teacher/pupil ratio position is corrected.  (e) Curricula  We support the principle of diversification and experimentation in curricula at both regional and local levels. Our aim will be a good general education rather than ear]y specialization. We believe that herein will lie the richness of a Social Credit education system.  6. ADMINISTRATION.  (a) Under-Secretaries to the Minister of Education  A Social Credit Government will appoint three Under-Secretaries to the Minister of Education to assist with three very important and distinct aspects of the growing field of education. namely:  (I) Special Educational Needs  (ii) University Education, and  (iii) Vocational Training.  The first or these will have the task and duty of providing the means whereby all pupils in our schools coming within the category of those having Special Educational Needs will be able to attain tile same levels of achievement as other children.  The second will have the distinct task of aiding our Universities in their efforts to perfect their Standards of excellence in both the scientific and academic fields so that the avid demands of the age of automation will at all times he met.  The third will be involved in promoting vocational training and the affairs of Technical Institutes, a work of growing importance to the economy OR this country.  (b) Decentralization of Administration  A Social Credit Government will take immediate steps to decentralize administration within the Education Department. Education Boards will he given the necessary authority to administer funds, following initial Governmental allocation.  (c) School Committees and Parent-Teacher Associations  We do not envisage any change to the present method of appointment of School Committees, nor do we think in terms of combining the functions of a School Committee with those of a Parent-Teacher Association. We see them as performing two equally necessary but distinct functions. We shall seek to draw a clear line between the functions of the two and to devise a scheme acceptable to both whereby each is represented on the other. We strongly support the idea of Parent-Teacher Associations and will encourage their establishment wherever this is possible. We particularly favour the concept of a classroom Parent-Teacher relationship.  7. THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS.  (a) Education Benefit.  In recognition of the part played in the national education system and the way that private schools are contributing not only service but a comparative value as against the state system. a Social Credit Government will grant to the independent schools an Education Benefit substantially equal to the cost in state schools of teaching the secular subjects.  The amount decided on will be paid to the school AT WHICH THE child is enrolled as a credit on behalf of the parent or guardian.  (b) Lay Teachers.  All positions for lay teachers in the independent schools will be advertised in the Education Gazette as they become available,  (c) Superannuation and Grading.  Superannuation and grading rights of teachers in the service of the independent schools will be protected.  (d) Teacher Appointment.  There will be liaison between the Education Authorities and the relevant independent school Authority in the appointment of suitable teachers.  (e) Boards of Governors and School Committees.  A Social Credit Government will require the establishment of a Hoard of Governors for each independent secondary school, and School Committees for the independent primary schools.  (f) Free Flow and Promotion of Teachers.  We would require reasonable facility to permit the free reciprocal flow of teachers between the independent schools and the state schools. This is essential in order to provide for adequate promotion for any lay teacher, and it would widen the appreciation by one system of the other.  (g) Rate of increase of Staff.  Simultaneously with the giving or the Education Benefit, a Social Credit Government will regulate the rate of increase of staff in the independent schools.  (h) Accounting Machinery.  We shall require independent schools to adopt standardized accounting methods in order to ensure the correct allocation of all public moneys paid to these schools.  (i) Rate of Adjustment.  The amount of the Education Benefit will be subject to adjustment in relation to a general rise in the cost of state education.  8 Maori Education.  (a) Under-Secretary.  The Under-Secretary for Special Educational Needs will deal with all aspects of Maori education.  (b) Teachers' Training College courses.  We shall invite applications from the ranks of qualified Maori teachers to fill lectureships at all Teachers' Training Colleges wherein their special responsibility wilt be to provide all teacher trainees with a composite course dealing with Maori history. language. lore and customs, and the problems confronting the modern urban Maori. so that an enlightened teaching force can bring about through the schools the correct community awareness, attitudes anti solutions to these problems within a pluralistic society such as our own.  (c) Special Holiday Reading Coures.  A Social Credit Government will make it possible. as an interim measure. and where a density of Maori or culturally deprived children are located. to have the schools in such areas opened during school holiday periods in order to engage these children in additional reading activities. Such a scheme will be available for three-year-olds and upwards.  9. University Education.  We believe that a university should fulfil two major roles. The first is to provide facilities for specialised education which will equip students to enter the community highly trained in particular subjects of their choice. In the fields of engineering. architecture. and the sciences, in particular. there is a strong demand for such specialization.  The second purpose is to provide an opportunity for learning for its own sake, in order to establish an  atmosphere and provide conditions congenial for research and the pursuit of knowledge.  As technology advances and the demand for specialized skills increases, so tertiary education is required to provide trained people. But as the machine takes over the production requirements of society, and technicians are required to service the machines. so will there be a vital need for people of wisdom and wide learning to give leadership in thought so that people feel a sense of purpose in living. rather than the present burden of having to earn a living to justify their existence.  A Social Credit Government will, therefore:  (a) Appoint to the Minister of Education ALL UNDER-Secretary for University Education.  (b) Raise academic staff salaries substantially. in them-elves and within the income structure of the community.  (c) Give a high priority to the provision of additional equipment and better conditions IN all departments where this is an economic proposition.  (d) Make available to each student gaining the new University Entrance qualification (see examinations, (b)), on commencement or the prescribed full time and part time courses. a Free-of-Interest  Loan. Such loans will be:  (i) Suspensory, i.e. non-repayable. provided that  the recipient maintains standards of work, progress and conduct acceptable to the University Council, and provided that the Student achieves the degree aimed at;  (ii) paid out in fortnightly allotments for the duration of the university year only;  (iii) granted on an annual basis and renewable at the commencement of the second and subsequent consecutive years. subject to standards of achievement and conduct acceptable to the University Council. and conditional on the passing of minimum combinations or units within prescribed time limits as laid down by the Council; and  (iv) on the condition that the parent/employer acts as guarantor both for the duration of the course of studies, and for a period of five years immediately following the completion of the course during which time the loan recipient must reside within New Zealand. Such a residency clause does not prevent annual holidays taken overseas and will be suspended for either scholars or employees who are sent overseas to complete or further their academic qualification. for a reasonable duration of absence;  (v) All such loans will be scaled to relate to the course taken the fees involved and to provide a fiat-rate cost-of-living allowance; they will not provide Student Association Fees or book allowances, the provision of such amounts by the students themselves, will be a commitment of their own;  (vi) For part-time students such loans will be  scaled to relate to fees, and textbook allowance only, and will be available to those  students taking prescribed minimum combinations of units.  (e) Students having the prescribed University-Entrance qualifications and wishing to pay their own way through university must take prescribed minimum combinations of units and make progress in their studies, and complete these within the same time limits required of assisted students, and conduct themselves to the satisfaction of the council.  (f) A Social Credit Government will allow generous taxation reductions to encourage industry and other interested bodies or individuals to establish endowed Chairs and scholarships.  10. Vocational Training, Technical Institutes, Polytechnics.  A Social Credit Government will aim at expanding the work or. and elevating the status or. Vocational Training within the framework of education. We see the place of Vocational Training as one of growing and vital importance. fulfilling an educational need in this increasingly technological age for many of our people not requiring the fullness of a University education.  Towards this end, therefore. we shall.  (a) Appoint to the Minister of Education an Under-Secretary responsible for Vocational Training.  (b) Grant greater freedom to the locally elected Boards of each Institute: -  (i) To experiment, within accepted financial limits, with alternative ways of carrying out particular programmes; and  (ii) To expand full-time courses where these are felt necessary after approaches have been made to local industries to ascertain their precise needs.  (c) Extend the work of Technical institutes tip to the equivalent of Stage I level at University, and thus enable them to cope with many of the practical needs of industry.  (d) Establish area Technical Institutes centred on indigenuous regional industry. e.g. at Rotorua, centred on the timber industry.  (Note: We recommend that the Auckland Technical Institute should centre its activities on production engineering. food and catering and hotel management,  Courses of a national nature which. because of the limited number of students involved. would not be justified at more than one Technical Institute will be developed in the centres or greatest population density.)  (e) A Free-of-Interest, Suspensory loan will be made available to each full-time student gaining entry to a Technical Institute and will be made payable on a fortnightly basis and conditional upon at tendance, progress and satisfactory conduct to the particular Institute Board The criteria for awarding these loans, etc will with variation where necessary, follow the criteria STATED in relation to University Student Loans The residency requirement in this case will be of a three year duration  11. Slow Learners.  We recognize that. while the problem of the slow learner exists, the shortest route to its alleviation is an adequate flow of well-trained teachers into our schools.  We shall, therefore:  (a) Give a high priority to the recommendation concerning Special Classes of the 1962 Royal Commission of a teacher/pupil ratio of 1 to 18.  (b) Make available special grants of money to be spent on this problem.  (c) Establish special salary scales for teachers engaged in this work.  (d) Initiate the introduction of exploratory pre-vocational and work-experience programmes as an integral part of courses for slow learners.  (e) Include in all teachers' training programmes a course whereby trainees will be made aware of the existence of slow learners and their particular problems.  12. COMPULSORY SUBJECTS.  Our aim will be to ensure that, by the 1mb each pupil has completed his Fifth Form year. he has had a sound general education, the basis OR 'WHICH wilt be English. Mathematics. Science and Modern Living. Modern Living will include First Aid, Civics and Domestic Science. and it will follow very closely the draft scheme outlined in the National Youth Council's Report 0,' Citizenship Training-1967.  13 Speech Work.  We agree that the whole question of speech work in all its aspects is a vital one to the concept of excellence in education and the proper functioning of democracy. Although it has been neglected in the past in this country, we believe that it must be thoroughly integrated with all other aspects of teacher training. We shall call a top-level Conference of educators and world authorities on this matter to draw up a programme for early implementation.  14. Rural Education.  The whole question of rural education has been reviewed within recent years both by the Minister. and in a special and searching report entitled Country Education, prepared by the P.P.T.A.  (a) Country Service Allowance  A Social Credit Government will introduce the P.P.T.A.'s (A). (B). (C) Scale covering degrees of remoteness as the basis for payment of a country service allowance.  (A) More than 80 miles from one or the four main centres.  (B) More than 40 miles from a town of over 7,0%.  (C) More than 15 miles from a town of over 3.0%.  (b) Housing for Teachers.  A Social Credit Government will provide additional rental houses for married teachers serving rural areas. Rentals will be reasonable and will be reduced on the basis of an (A). (B). (C) scale.  (c) Form l to VI Schools.  A Social Credit Government will progressively replace the District High School system with a Form 1 to VI system in country areas.  (d) Additional Boarding Allowances.  In all cases where Boarding Bursaries do riot at present apply, we shall pay an accommodation allowance of $4 a week for outback secondary school children who attend a boarding school or board privately.  15. COMMISSION MANAGEMENT OF EDUCATION.  With the aim of co-ordinating to a greater exigent than at present the activities of all sections and groups, both professional and administrative, concerned with the furtherance of education. we shall explore the possible benefits of reconstituting the Department or Education into an Education Commission.  16. FINANCIAL HARDSHIP.  In cases where undue financial hardship would he experienced by families wishing to keep a promising student at school during either the Lower Sixth or Upper Sixth Form years, or both, we shall make provision for supplementary payments to the Family Benefit.  17. Educational Development Conference.  Notwithstanding all that we have proposed in this policy. a Social Credit Government will call an Education Development Conference to examine current educational policy, future trends in this field, and especially what people in general want from education.  We see a need to involve the community in this dialogue, and therefore this Conference will call for representation from the widest opinions within our society.  HEALTH.  In the formulation of this section or Policy, our definition of the term health is in accordance with that laid down by the World Health Organization, which states. "Health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being and not just the absence of disease.'t  To this end, we believe in the ultimate establishment of the best possible health service attainable, one which is all-embracing and which will provide for the training of sufficient personnel in all branches of healing.  It is a mistake to look upon the medical service as something fixed and imutable. It needs freedom to grow, and if it is to grow and to work out its own destiny in research and its application to the improvement of human well-being. then it must become progressively freer from the restrictions of state contro1~  1. General.  (a) We shall establish an independent Advisory body to review the operational efficiency of the various aspects of the health services At least 50 per cent of the members of the body will be medical men who are actively engaged in the profession. and its findings will be published. including recommendations for further developments.  (b) We shall create an independent Medical Research Council composed of scientists and provide it with sufficient funds to allow unorthodox methods of treatment to be accorded research facilities.  (c) We shall institute a Government-sponsored programme to carry a health education campaign to the people and to the schools. This would include special reference to the harmful effects of cigarette smoking.  (d) We do not believe in compulsory medication except during an emergency situation. on the grounds that this is contrary to the fundamental principles of democracy.  2. General and Maternity Hospitals.  (a) We undertake to provide new buildings and equipment as and when required in order to meet the full needs of our rapidly expanding population.  (b) The construction of new buildings will be in permanent materials and the cost will be met from interest-free money.  (c) In future building programmes, more attention will be paid to full out-patient facilities, with adequate consulting and operating rooms and a certain number of day recovery' beds. If these departments were properly planned a considerable saving of hospital beds would result.  (d) In order to reduce the amount of paper work and bureaucracy in the running of hospitals. we shall encourage a maximum delegation of real responsibility to competent Hospital Boards, and we shall do everything possible to speed up central decisions where these arc necessary.  (e) We shall encourage full-time hospital officers to avail themselves of overseas refresher courses.  (f) We shall review salaries of full-time hospital officers in the light of salaries earned by specialists and general practitioners not engaged in hospital work. This review will include other hospital officers and the nursing profession. and not only those officers with medical degrees. These reviews will be made in order to retain the services or these highly qualified officers in the hospital service, and it is intended to bring salaries into line with those obtaining in industry and civilian life.  (g) We believe that a specialist benefit should he introduced in line with the proposals submitted by the Central Specialists Committee of the B.M.A.  (h) With the restoration of greater autonomy to Hospital Boards we would recommend that Medical Advisory Committees be attached to all Hospital Boards. These Committees will consist of hospital doctors and other local doctors whose patients are cared for in these hospitals.  3. Private Hospitals.  (a) We shall provide money at low rates of interest to private and maternity hospitals for renovations, improvements or new buildings.  (b) We shall increase the subsidies paid to private hospitals.  4. GENERAL PRACTITIONERS.  (a) We shall review the social security charges mileage allowances and maternity payments after consultation with a Committee set up by the practitioners for the purpose.  (b) This Committee wilt also be asked to submit recommendations for a possible increase in the G.M.S. benefit. It is realized that the retention of a private fee to doctors is necessary to prevent abuses by both doctors and patients. but in order that increasing charges do not cause hardship. a review of the G.M.S. is necessary.  (c) We shall review the scale of consultation and anaesthetic charges for maternity and private practice.  (d) We believe that Hospital Boards should be encouraged to allow local practitioners who wish to look after their own patients to do so. Suitable safe-guards must he provided and the local practitioners would be helped by the local specialists.  5. Ancillary Medical Services.  In an age of increasing complexity, the technical knowledge of those engaged in ancillary services must be improved. Towards this end, and so that the right calibre of individual will be attracted to these most necessary branches of medicine, diploma or degree courses at University level should be introduced, Technicians at present engaged in these ancillary services have little or no professional standinc2. but with the introduction of diploma courses, etc.. they would acquire professional status and be required to accept the true responsibilities of professionalism. Their monetary reward would be comparable with that of other professional groups in society.  The details of how much increase in technical learning. and along which direction it should follow, would need to be discussed and planned in conjunction with other branches of medicine.  6. Voluntary Organisations.  (See also policy on Social Security and Welfare.)  Social Credit recognizes the value of voluntary organizations such as the Plunket Society, the Crippled Children's Society. Alcoholics Associations. Health Camps and the like. and will therefore ensure that sufficient finance is made available for them to function efficiently. Consultation with these organizations can prove most valuable as 1aison between patients 1111(1 the profession.  7. CHIROPRACTORS.  All systems of healing. such as chiropractic, will be investigated by the Medical Research Council. We believe that any form of successful treatment, regard-less of its source. should be used for the benefit of the sick.  B. MENTAL HEALTH.  Our psychiatric services are insufficient in quantity, poor in quality, and out of date. The medical profession is united in its understanding of the defects or the present system, and Social Credit submits the following propositions which we believe will rectify the present chaotic situation.  (a) We shall set up an independent Committee to investigate the need for legal reform relating to mental health. This reform will be divided into five main categories:  (i) Certification procedure.  (II) Patients' property rights and civil rights.  (iii) Review of patients' conditions from time to time.  (iv) Administration of Mental Hospitals.  (v) Reform of the Mental Health Act 1964.  (b) We shall set up two professional psychiatric posts in New Zealand. One will be concerned with undergraduate training at the Otago University Medical School. and the other will be for the purpose of providing adequate training for (qualified practitioners wishing to specialize in psychiatry.  It is reasonable to suggest that the Professor responsible for graduate training should be in one of the centres where a Mental Hospital exists. A close liaison between general hospitals could then develop.  (c) We shall provide training under the Professional Board for psychiatric workers. teachers and speech and occupational therapists. Until stick a scheme can be implemented, we shall make every effort to find extra psychiatrists, psychologists and psychiatric social workers from other countries.  (d) Mental Hospitals should be banded over to the control of local Hospital Boards. We believe, further. that there should he at least 25 beds for psychiatric patients in general hospitals per 100,000 of the regional population, served with adequately staffed outpatients' departments.  (e) We would foster the establishment of Mental Health Associations to assist in the after-care and rehabilitation of mental hospital patients.  (f) We believe that present official policy has a misguided emphasis on extending residential accommodation and a mistaken preference for large institutions. Both are opposed to modern opinion, and to trends elsewhere.  We would concentrate on small, more widely-spread hospitals to deal with acute cases. In addition, we would foster the growth of a number of modest country-house type institutions to which patients may be taken during the day, and from which patients could go each day to suitable work.  We oppose the use of the larger Mental Hospitals for purposes of geriatric care.  (g) We propose that a psychiatric specialist benefit should be introduced for patients referred by a general practitioner and a day hospital benefit for psychiatric patients attending private day treatment.  (h) We shall increase the allowance from the Social Security Fund to long-term patients.  (i) In the event of the psychiatric staff coming under the control of the hospital boards. the rate of remuneration and other privileges enjoyed under the Health Department will not be jeopardised. Legislation will be enacted to ensure this fact.  9. Mental Deficiency Services.  A good deal of this section would be integrated with the previous section  (a) We believe that there should be some alteration to the nomenclature of the mental deficiency diseases. and that certain types should be made notifiable. The procedure for admission and subsequent reassessment should be drastically revised, and a disabled persons register should be established.  (b) We believe there should be an expansion of extramural service with the aim of rehabilitating and supporting mental defectives in ordinary society. Cases requiring residential care would receive it in neighbouring hostels or large houses converted for the purpose.  (c) To encourage and facilitate extramural care in the interests of the patient. and to discourage too early admission to institutions particularly for children. we will:  (i) Increase the child allowance to parents or mentally defective children and physically handicapped children.  (ii) Allocate realistic levels of payment to foster parents.  (iii) Establish a register of suitable foster homes.  (d) We will ensure that the Community service would be administered with considerable local autonomy and with the participation of voluntary  bodies, parents, medical and other professional workers, as well as representatives of hospitals and educational hoards.  (e) We believe that the Intellectually Handicapped Children's Society should be entitled to 100 per cent subsidy in the establishment and running or training facilities for intellectually handicapped children, provided there are at least six children in a community requiring such assistance.  (f) Residential institutions would either supply special education, remedial specialists, vocational training, sheltered workshops or have access to them in the extramural services in the neighbourhood. Their functioning would be integrated with the latter, especially through the agency of the psychiatric workers.  10. Drug Control.  (a) The Health Department will be the sole importer of addictive drugs, and they will be held under bond at public hospitals.  (b) The penalties for peddling drugs will be increased.  DEFENCE.  In this unsettled world we recognize the need to maintain adequate armed forces to help in preserving New Zealand's sovereignty and to meet its responsibilities in collective security arrangements where these do not infringe the rights to freedom and security of other nations.  We look forward to a time when New Zealand's Social Credit economy will be emulated by other countries, this having the effect of removing much of the economic cause of international frictions. These frictions make necessary the maintenance of expensive armed forces which constitute a drain on the capacity of each nation to produce for the betterment rather than the destruction of our fellow men.  A Social Credit Government will regard trade and aid as the most effective defence weapons. and will promote bilateral trade with the nations of South East Asia using a system of reciprocal credits.  1. Equipment and Training.  New Zealand's armed forces will be supplied will' modern equipment with will be kept tip to date. Close liaison will be maintained with our allies in seeking standardization of equipment and training.  2. Army.  The Army wilt consist of a highly-trained force or adequate size. capable of rapid expansion by increased recruitment to meet any need which may arise.  3. Air Force.  The Royal New Zealand Air Force will continue to operate in its combat. ground support, transport and maritime roles. and up-dating of aircraft and equipment will be maintained to ensure peak efficiency.  4. Navy.  The present force of frigates will be phased out and replaced by a force of high speed coastal patrol boats (as adopted by Malaysia). This casts the Navy into an offshore support rote to the other services. These boats will be very suitable for the fisheries protection service.  5. Service Personnel.  Conditions for all service personnel will be reexamined and made more attractive where required in all aspects from enlistment to rehabilitation to civilian life.  6. COMPULSORY TRAINING.  Compulsory military training will be abolished.  7. INTEGRATED COMMAND.  We shall work towards an integrated command or our forces, always bearing in mind the need for Co-operation with our allies.  8. Treaty Obligations.  We shall honour our treaty obligations to the limit of the number of men available by enlistment only and to the limit of expenditure considered prudent by the Government.  9. Overseas Participation.  All decisions regarding active participation or increase of cur commitments in overseas theatres of war will be taken only on a free vote in the House of Representatives.  10. Civil Defence.  Recent history has highlighted the vital nature or the role to be played by the Civil Defence organization. We shall ensure that this organization is developed and strengthened so that it may move quickly and efficiently whenever the need arises. We shall continue to have local organizations administered by local bodies and we shall reimburse them their administrative costs which are at present an added burden to their already strained finances.  EXTERNAL AFFAIRS.  Present world tensions, although to some extent the result of a conflict of ideologies, are aggravated by trade barriers and economic sanctions of one sort or another coming between countries.  A Social Credit Government's approach to its relationships with other countries. therefore, must always reflect the desire of New Zealanders to trade and co-operate culturally with their neighbours, and thus create the mutual goodwill so essential for true world peace.  1. Crown and Commonwealth.  (a)We affirm our allegiance to the British Crown and loyalty to the Commonwealth.  (b) We shall endeavour to initiate a permanent Commonwealth Council to promote co-operation and the achievement of a united front in international relations.  2. Pacific Islands.  We shall assist these peoples towards attaining economic and political independence through:-  (a)Positive and reciprocal trade policies.  (b)Assistance in educational programmes.  (c)Assistance where problems of over-population occur.  3. ANZUS, SEATO AND ANZAM.  We shall honour our treaty obligations to Anzus, Seato and Anzam. (See also tinder Defence policy.)  4. International Relations and Organisations.  (a) We shall support the United Nations Organization in its efforts to preserve peace and harmony, and will co-operate with all nations in this endeavour.  (B) We shall support the specialized agencies of the United Nations insofar as they work for true freedom. peace and economic security for peoples and nations,  (c) We are opposed to such mandatory international agreements as Bretton Woods and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade where they are against the interests of New Zealand.  TOURIST DEVELOPMENTS.  A Social Credit Government will ensure the preservation of the beauties and attractions with which we are endowed as a nation, which are also part of our cultural heritage. The Nature Conservation Council 10 Pct. 1962 will be suitably amended to more effectively conserve our natural scenic beauty as a national asset.  As an export earner, tourism has some particular attributes. It is not subject to the price fluctuations which plague agricultural exports, nor does it have to contend with highly competitive substitutes as do many primary commodities. Moreover the product being sold  is never depleted. but increases with use. The New Zealand tourist industry is becoming a major contributor to a more balanced economy. Realizing its full potential will require imagination and planning. and, more important. encouragement to private enterprise to provide the facilities required by both local and overseas visitors. A Social Credit Government will direct its policy towards this end.  1. Tourist and Publicity Department.  This Department should be defined by statute as a promotional Department. and should be divorced from the business of selling travel so that it can expend its skills and energies in the promotion of New Zealand. Legislation will be passed towards this end. and adequate finance will he provided to ensure that reasonable advertising campaigns are conducted through the appropriate media overseas.  2. New Zealand Travel and Holidays Association.  We shall continue to recognize this Association as the permanent advisory body to Government. because it is so constituted that it represents the major private enterprise and organizational concerns in the tourist industry.  3. Overseas Liaison.  We shall do everything possible to encourage firm liaison with Australia. Fiji and adjacent areas in the promotion of the South Pacific, in order to expand our share of the tourist travel which emanates from the jet routes of the Pacific as a whole.  4. Scenic Attractions.  New Zealand's scenic attractions must be preserved. and where such attractions are threatened with destruction or impairment by public works or industrial enterprise. the relative value of the attraction and the enterprise must be considered. In all cases alternative sites will be thoroughly investigated and used where possible. even if this may involve some extra cost and inconvenience. A Social Credit Government would regard it as a duty to ensure that our attractions are preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.  5. TOURIST HOTEL CORPORATION.  The Tourist Hotel Corporation will continue its role or development and expansion of accommodation in new areas. where private enterprise cannot or will not operate. With increased efficiency and lower interest rates for development moneys, it should be possible to reduce tariffs to a more competitive rate.  This Corporation must never be allowed to become a monopoly subsidized by the taxpayer.  6. Accommodation.  Finance from the State Advances Corporation will he provided for the assistance necessary to expand our tourist accommodation on a business-like basis. (See also Housing policy section 4 (b).)  In our long-term planning of the tourist industry, we are in favour of divorcing "beds from beer", so that accommodation will be considered in its own right, and the sale of liquor kept as a separate issue.  7. National Parks.  We shall continue the development of our National Parks with a view to improving and expanding the facilities available to both overseas tourists and New Zealanders and their families. We align ourselves with all sporting organisations opposed to takeovers of our inherited sporting and recreational rights in our national parks.  TRANSPORT.  The transport industry, which is one of the largest in the country, affecting, as k does. every facet of the economy. deserves far more attention from Government than it has received in the past.  The formation of a Ministry of Transport has been long overdue, but unfortunately, while the Government continues direct control of the railways. it does not give confidence to other sections of the industry as being the completely impartial administrative Department that it should be.  Each medium of transport is superior for certain purposes, and our objective will be to offer all transport users the most efficient and economic methods of meeting their requirements.  The overall policy of a Social Credit Government will be to ensure char the Ministry of Transport carries out its duties of administering the transport industry in a fair and impartial manner.  Towards this end. therefore. a Social Credit Government will implement the following policy.  1. Railways.  The railway system in New Zealand has been allowed to deteriorate into a state of disrepair and disrepute. largely through the lack of Government financial support to ensure the maintenance of an efficient service. Following its initial construction, which was primarily to open tip the country. the railways have had to face considerable competition from various other forms of transport. and because of its inability to modernize its equipment, it has had to have regulations applied in order to maintain its very existence. These regulations have not allowed for the true competition with other transport operators that should have been possible. This has resulted in friction. and. in some cases, a complete disregard for the law.  A Social Credit Government will, therefore. at the earliest possible date. form a New Zealand Railways Corporation to take over and administer the entire railway system as held by the Government at the date a Social Credit Government assumes office.  We consider that no further curtailment or branch lines and services is justified in the intervening period.  2. ROAD TRANSPORT.  It must be accepted that the road transport industry is responsible for the major portion of road and highway deterioration, which has resulted in the road transport industry hearing an ever-increasing portion. by way of taxation. of the cost of road maintenance. With the increasing use of the National Credit Account at so the Reserve Bank for the upgrading of the roading system generally. the taxation burden will be reduced. This will leave more money in the hands of the industry with which to maintain and replace vehicles. At the same time. however. the industry will be expected to reduce, and ultimately stabilize, freight charges.  (a) Licensing : -It is recognized that some form of licence control is necessary to prevent needless waste of our resources and to reduce damage to our roads and the cost of roading. The system will, therefore, be retained.  (b) Finance:-A Social Credit Government will ensure that all road transport operators have access to finance on an equal basis with the public corporations such as the Railways Corporation and the National Airways Corporation.  (c) Competition : -As this aspect is one of the fundamentals OR the philosophy of Social Credit, it will he the policy of a Social Credit Government to progressively reduce the restrictive regulations coming between the various sections of the transport industry. and to ensure that ultimately New Zealand has a freely competitive and efficient transport industry, operating within guidelines which are fair and reasonable to all sections of the industry. provided that priority i~ given to New Zealand-owned services.  (d) Uniform Petrol Price : -A uniform price for petrol over the whole country will be established.  (e) National Roads Board: A Social Credit Government will ensure that all revenues due to this Board are received and administered by it. The Board will take over the financing of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and Lyttelton Tunnel, and tolls will be abolished.  3. RESEARCH.  (See also policy on Research.)  It is to be noted that transport is one of the terms of reference for the Scientific and Industrial Research Corporation. Being an independent body. it will be able to advise the Minister of Transport. in a completely unbiased manner, of any findings relevant to the transport industry.  4. CIVIL AVIATION.  New Zealand has built up, and is being served by. a most efficient and creditable passenger and freight service.  In the agricultural and pastoral sphere, an industry has been established which could he regarded as the envy of the world for its ability to handle topdressing  and spraying on all types of country. This has contributed considerably to New Zealand's increased production over recent years.  Although N.A.C. provides an excellent main trunk service. there would appear to he room for more feeder services in some areas. It will he our policy to ensure that. where these are justified. finance will he made available for their establishment, and also to ensure that those other companies at present in operation are not put out of business through unfair competition.  In parallel with other expanding industries, it is essential that finance he made available for expansion and modernization. It will be the policy of a Social Credit Government to ensure that finance is made available on an equal basis to that of other sections of the transport industry.  5. COASTAL SHIPPING.  (a) We shall ensure that no unfair competition is created in our coastal shipping by other forms of transport.  (b) We shall ensure that finance is made available on an equal basis with other forms of transport.  (c) We shall encourage integration with other forms of transport.  6. EXTERNAL FREIGHTS.  New Zealand is completely reliant on shipping and air services for taking its products to the markets of the world. It is. therefore, the duty of Government to ensure the continuous availability. efficiency and economy from the New Zealand point of view of these services.  We view with concern the present lack of effective control over this vital link and over the charges we are obliged to pay for it from our overseas earnings.  As we are not satisfied that the question of a New Zealand-owned shipping line has been fully explored. a Social Credit Government will give urgency to a full and impartial investigation of the whole question and will support the establishment of a New Zealand-owned shipping line if the investigation indicates that it k desirable, practical and economical.  Such an investigation will also be required to take into consideration the possible future use of jumbo jet aircraft and their ancillary services in determining our overseas transportation needs.  7. CONTAINERISATION.  Containerisation and port facilities will bE investigated together with all transport services, to ensure that they are used to the best over-all efficiency for New Zealand.  CONSTITUTIONAL.  "Some men look at Constitutions with sanctimonious reverence, and deem them like the ark of the covenant, too sacred to be touched. They ascribe to the men of the preceding age a wisdom more than human. and suppose what they did to he beyond amendment . . . Laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind  We might as well require a man to wear the coat that fitted him as a boy. as civilized society to remain ever under the regime of their ancestors,"  Thomas Jefferson.  Writing Vol. XV, p 40.  1' AGE OF MAJORITY.  We propose to lower the age of majority from twenty-one years to eighteen years.  2. PARLIAMENTARY TERM.  We reaffirm our intention of maintaining the present three year life of Parliament.  3. VOTING METHODS.  We shall introduce a standardized type of ballot paper to cover both Parliamentary and local body elections.  4. ORGANIZATIONS OF ELECTORS.  Social Credit Members of Parliament will he encouraged to foster the formation of non-party organizations of electors to act as liaison committees. and to consult with them in 6iatters concerning their respective electorates. Members wilt be required to report to their electorates after each session of Parliament.  S. PRIVATE AND PUBLIC INTERESTS.  Q All Members of Parliament will he required to make a complete disclosure of their financial affairs to the Auditor General who will report thereon as he thinks necessary to a Select Committee of the House. Ministers will not be permitted to deal in land or engage in financial or business activities likely to lead to a conflict between their private affairs and the public interest and may he required to convert certain of their assets into blind trusts where only the trustees know the nature of the trust investments.  6. PARLIAMENTARY SUPERVISION OF DELEGATED LEGISLATION.  (a) WE SHALL introduce a provision whereby all statutory instruments must BE LAID BEFORE PARLIAMENT AND WILL BE subject to a resolution affirming the instrument.  (b) A Select Committee of the House will be set up to scrutinize and report on statutory instruments laid before Parliament.  (c) We shall amend the Regulations Act 1936 to ensure that all delegated and sub-delegated legislation is published before it comes into effect, Non-publication at the time of an alleged offence will be a complete defence to any charge involving breach of a regulation.  7. REFERENDA.  Where a local body has held a referendum on any issue, the result will be binding until varied by a further referendum. Legislation will be passed to compel local authorities to abide by the results of referenda.  8. RACING AND TROTTING.  A Social Credit Government will set up a Royal Commission to investigate the Racing and Trotting Conferences with a view to resolving the problems affecting them.  REFORM OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW.  'In any discussion of administrative procedure it is obviously essential to bear in mind that the proper function of a government is to govern in the interests of the community as a whole and this will necessarily frustrate sectional and private aims and interests from time to time. The emphasis in this report on the rights of the citizen in his encounters with administrative authority stems not from any desire 10 deprecate the legitimate functions of government but rather because the scales appear at times to be unduly weighted against the citizen. It is difficult to believe that fair administration is attainable only at the price of weak or inefficient government. in the words of the Franks Committee:  Administration must not only be efficient in the sense that the objectives of policy are securely attained without delay. It must also satisfy the general body of citizens that it is proceeding with reasonable regard to the balance between the public interest which it promotes and the private interests which it disturbs  C. S. Orr. Report on Administrative Justice in New Zealand.  The purpose of this policy is to put forward means by which this balance may better be maintained.  1. ADMINISTRATION DIVISION OF THE SUPREME COURT.  We strongly support the establishment of an Administrative Division of the Supreme Court to replace appeal authorities. and right of appeal will be granted from all administrative tribunals to this Division.  2. PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE OF ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS.  A general code will he introduced to regulate the practice and procedure of administrative tribunals.  Certain basic procedures to ensure a fair hearing should be followed by all tribunals unless for good cause expressly exempted. These include such matters as notice of the time. place and issues: evidence:  public hearings: legal representation: privilege: and a requirement that findings and reasons he supplied either as of right or on timely request.  Tribunals will remain free to prescribe detailed rules.  3. RIGHT TO A HEARING.  WE SHALL ENSURE THAT ANY person whose rights. property or livelihood are adversely affected by administrative action or the exercise of statutory powers is first entitled to a hearing. There will be a right of appeal to the Administrative Division of the Supreme Court as to the right to a hearing and the adequacy of any hearing afforded.  In addition, a provision requiring a hearing before the grant, revocation, suspension or modification of any licence will be enacted.  4. JUDICIAL REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS.  A simple uniform method of review will he introduced to replace the prerogative writs and actions for injunctions and declarations, and the grounds for review will be codified and extended to include all errors of law.  The Administrative Division of the Supreme Court will hear all applications for review of administrative decisions subject to a right of appeal to the Court of Appeal.  5. APPEALS AGAINST ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS.  We shall establish a right of appeal to the Administrative Division of the Supreme Court in the areas of the greatest friction between the public. Government DEPARTMENTS and local bodies, to be determined on the recommendation of the Ombudsman.  6. THE OMBUDSMAN.  The Ombudsman will be appointed as a member of the Administrative Division of the Supreme Court and the conditions of his appointment as Ombudsman will he equated with those of a Judge of the Supreme Court. It is not envisaged that the Ombudsman would sit on the general run of cases coming before this Division. but that his services would be called upon at the discretion of the Chief Justice to sit on those cases where the experience accumulated in his capacity as Parliamentary Commissioner would be of particular value and assistance to the Court.  The jurisdiction of the Ombudsman will he extended to cover all local bodies, public corporations such as the National Airways Corporation and the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation, the Universities and a far wider range of matters arising within the armed forces.  PUBLIC Administration.  New Zealand has BEEN, and is still being. served by a loyal, competent and efficient staff of pu6lic servants. The goodwill, however, so necessary between employer and employee is fast vanishing as a result of the complete disregard the present Government had for the Public Service Association when passing the State Services Act 1962.  It will he the first duty of a Social Credit Government, therefore. to regain the goodwill of all public servants.  The present policy of engaging overseas consultants for many of New Zealand's problems is in many cases unnecessary, and reflects 'in the capabilities of our top professional and technical staff. This practice is creating an unnecessary drain on New Zealand's hard-earned overseas funds. and will therefore he discontinued. Should it be necessary to obtain the benefit of overseas experience it would he preferable to send OUR own personnel overseas for the purpose  It has been openly stared that some senior public servants are bureaucrats. This, in our opinion is the direct result of weak Government. and does not reflect upon the individuals concerned who have no doubt acted always with the best of intentions.  It is the duty of the elected Government to ensure that policy is correctly formed and carried out.  1. STATE SERVICES ACT 1962.  This Act will he amended if necessary, to ensure that there is more flexibility of promotion without the Incessant. costly. and sometimes unnecessary transfer of staff. This can be achieved by the use of personal grading. or merit promotion. The present inflexibility is costing the country untold amounts in staff movement, and staff goodwill.  2. STATE SERVICE COMMISSIONERS.  We believe that the State Service Commissioners should he selected from outside the Service. This would ensure a less biased approach to appointments. We believe that the three State Service Commissioners should in every way be free of political control. and in effect have the freedom of the judiciary. Their position should not enable them to become Permanent Depart-mental Heads.  3. PERMANENT HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS.  Permanent Heads should, in our opinion, BE appointed by the State Service Commission and not by a Committee of Permanent Heads, as at present. Their position should also hold the open right of appeal.  4. REPRESENTATION ON PRODUCER BOARDS.  The practice or appointing retired public servants to Producer Boards will he investigated. Their technical ability can he invaluable but their knowledge of Departmental personnel could he embarrassing to Permanent Heads.  5. DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATION.  In order to improve the approach of public administration, we believe all Departments should have a top executive committee. comprising not less than six and not more than twelve members, according to the size of the Department, constituted both to advise on and carry out Government policy. Where appropriate, representatives from closely allied interests will he included in the executive committee. The Minister will be chairman and will hold regular meetings through-out the year.  6. PROMOTION.  There appears to BE an increasing emphasis on professional qualifications rather than personal administrative ability. This should not be the case. There must always be a balance maintained between the professional man and the competent proven administrator.  7. RIGHT OF APPEAL.  Appeal Board personnel should be appointed from outside the State Service.  In any case where an employee is not carrying out the policy of the Government, then the Minister should always retain the right to prematurely retire the individual in question.  8. SALARY SCALES.  For too long now the salary rates within the Service have been lagging behind the ruling rates, Past Governments have been only too pleased to accept this delay in ruling rate surveys, etc., to avoid any undue financial pressure during any fiscal year.  This must not continue. Public servants in common with all other employees are entitled to the immediate percentage increase in salary as determined by the Court of Arbitration. This will apply to all public employees.  9. HOUSING.  WHERE HOUSING IS PROVIDED for public servants in PARTICULAR POSITIONS. THE RENTALS CHARGED SHOULD BE REGARDED AS PART of the cost structure of the particular Department. Any concession THAT MAY BE apparent in these rentals should be regarded purely as a concession for that particular position.  As stated in our Housing policy. emphasis will be placed on the construction of multi-storey fiats in relatively central positions. particularly in larger cities. More generous allocation of these flats will be made to public servants on transfer.  10. TRANSPORT.  WHERE public servants have to use a car for their particular position in a Department. then financial assistance will be given to such individuals to purchase a car at no more than three per cent. This will avoid undue pressure for Departmental vehicles. encourage private ownership and lessen the overhead costs of Departments.  11. SUPERANNUATION.  The present percentage basis for public servants for joining the Government Superannuation Scheme of 5 per cent up to the age of 30 years with increasing percentages over this age is based on the insurance risk approach. and tends to discourage those joining the Service later in life from participating on an equal basis. We consider a universal 5 per cent deduction for superannuation from all public servants to be fair and reasonable.  12. SUPERANNUITANTS.  Upon assuming office a Social Credit Government will immediately institute a review of all superannuitants, with a view to placing them in the position in which they would have been had they been retiring at the time of the review.  MAORI AFFAIRS.  The Social Credit Political League believes that New Zealanders should be one people with equal rights for all citizens. and its policy is directed towards the full integration of Maori and European. The League's immediate policy will he to meet the challenges of rapid change in Maori affairs, brought about largely through urbanisation. and of the need to en-sure opportunity for the Maori population. which is predominantly young.  I. The four Maori electorates will be abolished, after consultation with the Maori people.  2. The following will he phased out as soon as they become redundant:  (a) The post of Minister of Maori and Island Affairs.  (b) The Department of Maori and Island Affairs.  (c) The Maori Social and Economic Act 1945 and the organisations created by this Act.  3. The staff and duties of the Department will be relocated and incorporated into the appropriate Government Departments.  4. The Maori Land Court will be retained as a separate body.  5. Land utilisation committees comprising Maori owners and representatives of associated Government departments will be established to deal with the immediate problem of correct land use, and will he ultimately dispensed with when they have served their purpose.  7. Special vocational guidance officers will be appointed. By liaison with schools and parents they will advise all Maori school leavers and where possible direct them into skilled occupations requiring further training. (Note-at present 80 per cent or Maoris are in occupations classed as unskilled. There is an urgent need for a higher ratio of Maoris in other occupational levels.)  8. Orientation courses for Maori youths moving to the cities wilt be extended. Pre-vocational courses at technical institutes will he available for all Mann youths who could benefit.  9. We will provide generous financial assistance to the Maori Education Foundation. The League appreciates that the Foundation arose through a realisation by the Maoris of the importance of promoting education, and that it is an example of self-help.  10. INCREASED financial assistance will also be given to the building and EXTENDING of community centres, as these serve a valuable purpose in assisting adaptation to city life.  11 - The League will restore the purchasing power of Tribal Trust Board incomes to their original level. by subsidy or by a re-assessment of original grants. (Note-because of the depreciation in the value of money. Tribal Trust Board incomes have been eroded, and some boards have been forced to cur-tail benefits at a time when a rapidly expanding youthful population needs every assistance.)  12. A Social Credit Government will set up a committee consisting of Maori elders and learned fellow New Zealanders to preserve and promote Maori culture, so that all New Zealanders will become more conscious of their Polynesian heritage. To this end:  (a) Maori studies will be compulsory for all  teachers' college students, and will include Maori arts, rudiments of the language and customs. This will provide within a few years the means for instruction in all schools.  (b) The Maori Arts Centre at Rotorua wilt be expanded with a view to training more craftsmen, providing information on Maori arts. and selling products in New Zealand and overseas.  (c) The use of Maori motifs (rafter patterns, etc.) will be encouraged in the manufacture of appropriated goods, e.g., textiles, and also on wrappings and trademarks.  (d) Because old Maori artifacts are scarce and invaluable, they will not be allowed out or New Zealand unless they are on loan to museums or for exhibitions.  13. Waitangi Day (February 6) wilt be a national holiday, as it commemorates the birth or a New Zealand nation in which all people have equal rights.  14. Funds will be made available for establishing forest stands on Maori land, in similar fashion to the present farm forestry loans scheme.  SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH.  There is a pressing need in New Zealand for a far wider and all-embracing approach to all aspects of research which should be divorced from any political influence. The heavy loss of research personnel is not  altogether due to the salary scales, but to a certain extent is caused by frustration in their work, due to restrictive administrative procedures and lack of adequate research finance.  SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH CORPORATION.  The D.S.I.R. will HE RECONSTITUTED as a Scientific and Industrial Research Corporation which will be charged with the following responsibilities:  (a) Co-ordinating and pursuing research into such matters as agriculture, forestry. transport, building. fuel, electric power and sea fishing.  (b) Ensuring that the remuneration of all personnel employed computers favourably with overseas conditions.  (c) Ensuring that modern and Lip-to-date equipment is available at all times.  (d) Ensuring that the health of man is maintained at all times, in relationship to that of animals and the soil.  (e) Ensuring that diagnostic stations are maintained in suitable districts.  In a world of technology, increased research is vital to the country's future and standard of living, and in consequence the necessary financial grants would be provided.  Note l.- In its 1965 Report to Parliament. the National Research Advisory Council stressed that the most desirable methods of electric power development demanded an increasingly detailed knowledge of water, coal, gas. geothermal steam, and uranium resources.  Note 2.-In its Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 1965 (page 30) the Council said. in connection with poisons in agriculture: "This Council is convinced that a research unit is necessary to watch and assess the build-up of effects on animal populations, insect life, and ultimately life in the waters. Consideration of this and other conservation problems has confirmed the Council's belief that the basic research can be carried out MORE successfully by an independent agency."  YOUTH AND SPORT.  We firmly believe that our country and our democratic concept of life are best ensured, whatever the future may bring forth. when the loyalty or our young people. a loyalty based on Christian concepts of love or God and neighbour, are encouraged and promoted.  In this modern age of automation, there would appear to be insufficient thought, time and co-ordination being given to expenditure on the training of a healthy body. with its resultant effect. the development of a healthy mind.  Since the future of any country is dependent on the rising generation it will be the policy of a Social Credit Government to encourage and assist all groups or societies responsible for youthful activities, including sport. such as Scouts, Guides, St. John's Cadets. Out-ward Bound. etc.. to ensure that the enthusiasm and energies of youth are channelled to good purpose.  1. NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL.  The National Youth Council will be given greater responsibility in the planning and promotion of youthful activities to ensure that moneys voted to it are distributed equitably and to the best advantaL2e.  2. BASE SITES AND EQUIPMENT.  Every assistance will be given through the Council for base areas to enable the establishment of sportins and youthful activities where such areas are necessary. and assistance will be given towards the necessary equipment for stick establishments.  Assistance will also be given by way of grants to ensure the continued administration of traiNING schemes.  3. OUTWARD BOUND.  When and where appropriate, such schools t-is Out-ward Bound will be established throughout the country.  4. CIVIL DEFENCE.  Co-ordination of various youthful activities with civil defence will be encouraged and assisted, in order that the energies of youth are utilized to the full. School groups could also be formed in a similar manner.  RADIO AND TELEVISION.  The New Zealand Social Credit Political League believes that for the growth of a forward-thinking. educated and free society a well-informed public is essential: and a major part in this evolvment is played by mass media in the form of radio and television. -  The increasing penetration of New Zealand households by radio and television is such that these are now very significant factors in our way of life. We consider that the power of television and sound broadcasting is so great that it is undesirable to leave these services entirely in the hands of any one organization. however excellent.  To obtain the maximum benefit to the greatest number of people and also to allow these media to promote as much individuality in their various contexts, a Social Credit Government will ensure a progressive policy of both raising the quality of programmes and the continued growth of the industry itself.  There is considerable room for improvement in the administration and use of these vital forms of communication. and therefore a Social Credit Government would progressively implement the following policy.  1. BROADCASTING AUTHORITY.  The composition of the Authority will he altered so as to provide for the appointment of three permanent members (voting). The term of the appointment of the permanent members will be for 5 years and the',' will he ineligible for re-appointment. -  In addition. there will be two non-permanent members (non-voting) who will be eligible for appointment as permanent members as vacancies occur. in order to ensure administrative continuity within the Authority.  2. TELEVISION CHANNELS.  A Social Credit Government would endorse a policy of giving top priority td a second television channel being in colour.  In the event of the N.Z.B.C. or any private broadcasting station winning a second licence for colour television, then it must relinquish its licence for black and white television to the Authority for review.  3. PROGRAMME AND EQUIPMENT UTILISATION.  In order to obviate the possibility of expensive duplication of programming and broadcasting facilities, a Social Credit Government will encourage the N.Z.B.C. to enter into leases of programming facilities and plant. over and above the N.Z.B.C.'s own requirements. to private licensees. Such leases will require Broadcasting Authority endorsement.  In the event of a second channel eventuating. and TO avoid unnecessary duplication of expensive television equipment. the Authority will be requested to give serious consideration to the means of transmission (from film, videotape or the scene) remaining the responsibility of the N.Z.B.C.  4. RADIO NEW ZEALAND.  A Social Credit Government will give high priority to an evaluation of Radio New Zealand's power with a view to raising output from the present 20 kilowatts to more than 100 kilowatts, to meet present-day requirements for an acceptable world-wide Short Wave Service.  5. SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS.  A Social Credit Government will promote and expedite the fullest use of all forms of satellite communication.  6. F.M. TRANSMISSION.  In order to meet the demand for more broadcasting wavelengths that will arise from the introduction of private radio stations. a Social Credit Government will have the Authority to evaluate the requirements for a Frequency Modulated Transmission and then put into effect the long-term planning necessary for such transmission.  7. LICENCE FEES.  Old age and invalid pensioners will be exempted from payment of radio and television licence fees.  8. RIGHT OF APPEAL.  Any Society, person or persons alleging biased or unfair treatment in the allocation of radio or television time will have a right of appeal to the Administrative DIVISION of the Supreme Court.  FISHING.  The resources of the sea are of no less importance to the future well-being of this country than the ft-sources of the land. It would he most undesirable if these resources were squandered merely because we are not in a position to utilize them to the full at present.  In the past it has been thought that the oceans of the southern hemisphere were not as rich as those in the northern hemisphere. and as a result of this thinking New Zealand's rich oceans have not received the attention they deserve9 and the few people harvesting the area have not received the assistance warranted by their efforts. The fact that the Japanese are endeavouring to exploit our seas is a sure indication that there is a rich harvest to be gleaned.  A Social Credit Government will prosecute the following policy in order to ensure that the fishing industry obtains the recognition it rightly deserves.  1. RESEARCH.  We shall ensure that the Scientific and Industrial Research Corporation (see Research policy) gives high priority to the research of our strategic fishing grounds. including shell fish.  2. NATIONAL FISHERIES BOARD.  A Social Credit Government will establish a National Fisheries Board comprising men who are independent of but interested in the fishing industry. representatives of the industry. and independent scientists interested and experienced in marine life. This Board will report to the Minister of Natural Resources and advice on matters relating to the industry with a view to formulating and controlling policy.  One facet of policy must be to ensure that every citizen has. as far as is practical, opportunity to purchase fresh fish,  3. LICENCING.  Where we are not in a position to use our fishing resources at present available. fishing will be allowed  under licence to OVERSEAS CONCERNS ON PAYMENT OF royalty. Such licences would he granted up to a limit of the renewable supply and no further. Licences would  BE PROMPTLY TERMINATED SHOULD scientific evidence show that THE WATERS WERE BEING OVER-FISHED.  4. MANAGEMENT.  SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS WOULD BE PUT IN HAND TOWARDS  the implementation of fish management and fish farming.  5. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.  Finance will be made available to assist the fishing industry to build up a fleet of vessels to fish the natural increase and to assist the industry generally, such as in the establishment of packing and processing facilities in order to export any surplus.  6. FISHERIES PROTECTION.  We shall take all steps necessary to protect our fishing grounds from any possible damage or depredation.  APPENDIX.  BACKGROUND TO THE POLICY STATEMENT ON RATING  The following sets out the Social Credit League's policy as an alternative to the rating methods at present available to local bodies.  The League submits that the costs of present rate assessment and administration are excessive and unwarranted. The League's alternative will take the emphasis completely away from valuation, placing the emphasis in rural areas on land quality, and in urban areas on payment relative to services rendered.  Once the system is adopted by a local body there should he no further costs involved in its administration from that point onwards. This wilt mean considerable savings, which will to some degree assist in stabilizing the ever-increasing rates in the short-term. while the League's local body finance proposals will assure rate-payers of long-term benefits.  RURAL AREAS AND LAND CLASSIFICATION.  There has been in operation in New Zealand for some time a land classification system based on an accepted international standard. Classes vary from class one, which is the highest quality land. comprising deep loams and silts, to class eight, which comprises bare mountain tops and scree. From class one to eight are all the intermediate classes, which are well defined, as they am compiled from land inventory maps based on the physical properties of the land and its productive ability.  Detailed soil maps are available for the whole of -the country, so that it will he a relatively straight-forward matter to complete classification for any one county. for the purpose of rating. Once the classification maps are completed, it will be simply a matter of super-imposing the titles on to the master sheet. The end result will he that every farm will he divided into various classes, so that every owner will know exactly for all time the areas in (heir respective classes.  From this point onward the local body will be empowered to assess rates on the respective classes, which could he varied from riding to riding. in the case of county towns, there will be no reason why the adoption of the urban system cannot be implemented. Where there are industrial undertakings situated within the county. a special rate assessment could be arrived at commensurate with the services rendered by the local body concerned.  Cities and Boroughs.  All local bodies will have to comply with the town planning regulations as tinder the Town and Country Planning Act. All county towns. boroughs and cities will have their urban areas schemed into the various categories-industrial, commercial and residential. These categories. once adopted and approved by the local bodies concerned, will then be the basis for assessment of the rating incidence.  In residential areas, the specific zones will be deter-mined by the density of living units relative to the services provided by the local body. The three zonings within the residential category will be A, B and C.  Residential A will be basically the family or single dwelling unit, with the lowest number of units per acre.  Residential B will be zones surrounding zone C (high-density housing) and beyond. also fringing the commercial areas. Here density of the units will determine the zone boundary. but as with zone A, will be more clearly defined according to the number of home units per acre.  Residential C will be high density housing. such as high rise flats. The unit density per site is established firstly by the site occupancy rare. and secondly by the location of the site in relation to areas of open space surrounding the site, and the dimensions of the streets in the area. This is also related to the number of units that can be placed on the site. and therefore the amount of local body services that these units will rise. While the basic rate will be determined by the zone, the individual site rating must be determined by the use made of the particular site as compared with that or the adjoining site. For instance, a site with 10 flat units would pay a proportionately higher rate to that containing one residence,. although in the same zone.  IN THE CASE OF COMMERCIAL ZONING. THE basic rate will be determined on a lineal basis. There will, however, have to he exemptions on those sections which are still being utilized as residential. These naturally will he rated on the equivalent to residential C. High rise buildings will pay a relatively higher rate to that of a single floor. This will be calculated on a sliding scale, based on the various factors relevant to the use being made of the local body services provided.  Industrial zoning wilt be based on area, and the use made of local body services.  SUMMARY.  The benefits expected to result from the adoption of these proposals can be summarised as follows:  A considerable saving in the cost of administration. resulting from the non-recurring cost of valuation.  2. The emphasis will he placed on the equitable payment to the local body for services rendered-e.g.. two dwellings alongside each other should pay the same relative rate for the same services used by the same number of people regardless of the cost of the dwelling.  3, Local bodies will be given statutory power to vary the rate from riding to riding.  4. With the increasing use of rural land for developing the tourist industry, the farming community in many instances is at present being penalised for the higher cost of land transactions, which has no bearing on the farming industry.  5. The community will appreciate the ability to buy and sell land for what it is truly worth to them, on the basis that they pay an equitable rate to that of their neighbour. Farm land and urban dwellings will soon find their real worth.  6. The valuation profession will establish its true place in the community.