1966 election manifesto. Index. Subject code:  Agriculture AGR.  Broadcasting and Television B. & TV  Constitutional and Parliamentary CONST.  Defence DEF.  Earthquake and War Damage EARTH & W.D.  Education EDUC.  External Affairs EX. AFS  Farm Investment FARM, INV.  Finance FIN.  Fishing Industry FISH. IND  Foreign Investment FOR. INV.  Forestry FOR.  Fuel and Power FUEL AND P.  Government Superannuitants GOVT SUPER.  Health HEALTH  Housing HO.  Immigration IMM.  Import Licensing IMP. LIC.  Industrial Development IND. DEV.  Industrial Relations IND. REL.  Land LAND  Law and Order LAT,  Local Government LOCAL GOVT  Maori Affairs MAORI  News Media Ownership Act NEWS  Overseas Trade OSEAS TRADE  Railways RAIL  Rate Relief Scheme for Home Owners RATE REL.  Road and Bridge Tolls TOLLS  Science and Research SC. & RES,  Social Security Monetary Benefits SOC. SEC.(MON)  Shipping SHIP  Taxation TAX  Tourist Industry TOUR.  Trade Practices and Prices TR. PRAC.  Transport and Civil Aviation TRANS & CIVIL  Welfare and Social Justice WELF. & SM.  Works WORKS  AGRICULTURE. Labour's agricultural policy is initially aimed at meeting the 4.1 per cent annual increase in pastoral exports which was recommended by the Agricultural Development Conference. Under present conditions this can only by regarded as a minimum target, however, and further production increases must be set and achieved progressively. Labour's policy will be flexible and will offer progressive incentives and rewards as primary production expands. It will be designed to materially assist the farmer to secure more production and at the game time guarantee to him a full and fair share in his increased production.  Policy details.  1. The establishment of a Rural Banking and Finance Corporation ant the Corporation’s broad functions are set out in clauses 24, 25 and 26 of the Finance Policy. Advances made by the Corporation for approved development purposes will not be subject to interest or capital repayment for the first two years, and in special circumstances for longer periods. The Corporation will be empowered to vary the present lending limits on farm finance. Although future limits will be generally determined within normal lending considerations, the Corporation will have sufficient flexibility to enable it to meet the needs of individual cases without being restricted by arbitrary limits.  2. Labour believes that one of the main reasons for the difficulty in recruiting farm labour is the fact that most farm workers have little prospect of ever owning their own farms. In conjunction with the farm training scheme set out below, a Labour Government will establish a farm settlement scheme to give young men with proven farming ability but limited farming resources the chance to acquire their own farms. Key features of the scheme will be :  a. Government purchase of suitable lands available for sale.  b. division of such lands into economic units which have scope for future development.  c. allocation of the units by ballot to applicants who qualify under the farm training scheme.  d. giving the successful applicants a seven year leasehold over the property with the right to either renew the lease or purchase the property.  e. providing an initial development loan at four per cent interest.  3. Agricultural education beyond secondary school level can be broadly classified as degree courses, diploma courses, and farm training. In the last category the individual is exclusively occupied as a farm worker, and training is incidental to his occupation. To ensure that the farm worker has the chance to qualify for land ballots under Labour's farm settlement scheme a nationwide farm training system will be established and will involve:  a. a Farm Training Council, which will work in close consultation with Federated Farmers. The Council will include representatives from Federated Farmers, the New Zealand Workers' Union, the Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs, the Department of Agriculture and the Education Department.  b. Regional committees drawn from similar groups. Many Federated Farmers Provinces have already established active regional organisations, and the proposed regional committees will not cut across or disrupt the good work they are doing.  c. a roll of farmers in each region who are willing and qualified to accept trainees.  d. a tutor organiser for each regions who will be appointed to the staff of one of the university agricultural colleges.  e. short residential courses at the university agricultural colleges for trainees under the scheme.  f. certificates awarded on the completion of a six year training period. The certificates will be recognised by the farming industry as an indication of a margin of skill as well as a qualification to enter a land ballot.  g. the right for degree or diploma holders or holders of equivalent qualifications, to enter settlement ballots provided they have a minimum of two years practical farming experience.  IRRIGATION.  4. Where approved privately financed irrigation schemes can be shown to significantly increase production by, say, 10 per cent per annum on capital outlay, a Labour Government will financially assist with up to a third of the capital cost.  MARGINAL LANDS.  5. The Marginal Lands Board will be reconstituted and strengthened by the addition of practical farmers from various parts of New Zealand who are experienced in all aspects of primary production.  6. Marginal lands committees will be strengthened by adding sufficient practical farmers to ensure adequate representation of areas and types of primary production.  7. Finance for marginal lands development will be liberalised and will include special consideration of assistance for the eradication of noxious weeds.  8. The Marginal Lands Board will maintain a close liaison with the proposed Rural Banking and Finance Corporation.  FARM HOUSING.  9. In many rural areas housing conditions fir farmers and their employees are far from satisfactory and finance for improving housing is not as readily available as in urban areas. This is inconsistent with Labour's social welfare policies and is incompatible with a call for an all-out productive effort. A labour Government will:  A) Make funds available through the Rural Banking and Finance Corporation to ensure that farmers who qualify receive three per cent housing loans.  B) Make funds available for the repair and renovation of existing farm homes.  FERTILISER.  10. The necessary increase in primary production can only be achieved through increased soil fertility. A Labour Government will improve and extend the present freight subsidy on fertiliser to include the carriage of lime.  11. To ensure reasonably stable fertiliser prices and to prevent the erosion of the benefits implicit in the freight subsidy, Labour will make financial provision to help stabilise the costs of raw materials which fertiliser manufacturers must import.  FERTILISER AND FREEZING WORKS.  12. Labour's policy will be to have all new fertiliser and freezing works cooperatively owned.  Broadcasting and television  LABOUR believes that broadcasting and television must be developed and operated in the public interest. The public have a right to a healthy, objective service which will inform, educate and entertain and which will as far as economically practicable provide them with an adequate choice of high quality programmes.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. Labour supports the general pattern of Corporation control of radio and television, and would not authorise privately owned radio or television stations. It believes, however, that some modifications to the present system of Corporation control are necessary.  2. Labour will provide a clearer definition of the extent of Ministerial responsibility for the Corporation's actions. The Minister of Broadcasting will be liable to answer questions in Parliament even on the Corporation's programmes and administration.  3. The way in which the Minister will convey Government's views to the Corporation will be more precisely laid down.  4. Services will be reviewed, so that viewers and listeners have a wider choice and time is made available more equitably to new advertisers and to minority views.  5. Television coverage and the number of channels will be progressively extended. The Corporation will be authorised to provide additional channels in line with the country's economic ability to establish and maintain them.  6. Labour will institute a public inquiry into complaints of suppression and censorship for politic al reasons of New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation news and public affairs programmes, and will take whatever steps are necessary to safeguard the independence of this influential medium.  7. Competitive tendering for programme and advertising time, on the YD sound broadcasting stations only, will be instituted on a trial basis. Contracts will be for periods up to a maximum of three months, and time allotted for such programmes will not exceed 50 per cent of the operating time of the YD stations. To encourage and develop local talent, the overseas exchange content of total payments for copyright and other costs associated with the purchase of such programmes will be limited.  8. Labour is opposed to private ownership of broadcasting and television stations, but accepts that a Competitive element could provide a useful stimulus to service and programmes. A Labour Government will therefore provide that where the NZBC is already operating non commercial and commercial television services in any centre, the next television channel established will be controlled by a second independent public corporation. The initial capital cost of the additional channel will be borne by the NZBC, but future development will be financed by the New Zealand Independent Television Corporation from its revenue. Although the two Corporations will be competitive, steps will be taken to ensure that competitive programme purchasing does not result in unnecessary rises in costs for either Corporation.  9. New Zealand ships and aircraft will be required to comply with the laws relating to broadcasting. Broadcasting from ships or aircraft outside New Zealand territorial waters will not be directly interfered with, but where necessary other measures will be taken to ensure that the laws and principles which govern broadcasting within New Zealand are upheld.  10. Labour believes that television can be the greatest aid to education known to Man. A Labour Government will institute a television education system, and will make every effort to bring the service to correspondence pupils and country schools. Emphasis will be placed on training in television techniques so that advantage can be taken of the latest overseas developments in educational television.  CONSTITUTIONAL AND PARLIAMENTARY.  LABOUR believes that greater use should be made of Parliament and the individual Member. Parliamentary procedure should be changed to avoid the absurdity of sittings after midnight, which are not conducive to good Government. A Labour Government will call on the men and women elected by the people to serve the people throughout the year, and to play their full part in the supremely important work of Government.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. The voting age will be lowered to 20 by a Labour Government.  2. The Electoral Representation Commission will be directed to divide the South Island into 26 electorates. The quota so established will determine the number of seats necessary in the North Island to maintain equality of representation.  3. The Parliamentary term is a question which should only be decided by referendum. A Labour Government will hold a referendum it the 1969 election to decide whether the life of Parliament should be extended to four years.  4. Labour will provide that older Acts of Parliament are regularly reviewed by a Parliamentary Committee, to ensure that the rights and needs of the individual are not restricted or inhibited by changing circumstances.  5. Petitions often receive a favourable recommendation from Parliament but the petitioners are never granted the satisfaction they sought from Government. Labour will provide that within 28 days of the opening of each Session of Parliament the Government must table a return setting out the action taken an each petition which was reported back during the previous Session.  6. Local bodies must obtain Parliament's approval for particular projects. Some applications require careful scrutiny by the House, but others are routine matters which do not warrant the considerable expense involved in special legislation. A Labour Government will recommend to Parliament a reform which will enable Local Bills to be considered during the Parliamentary Recess.  7. The Parliamentary Session is invariably too short, and unnecessary and undesirable all night sittings often occur at the end of the Session. Labour will arrange for Parliamentary Sessions to begin earlier each year. Sessions will be divided, where necessary, by short recesses.  8. The Standing Orders of Parliament will be reviewed and revised to secure more efficiency in the despatch of Parliamentary business.  9. Parliamentary Committees will be encouraged to travel outside Wellington to see for themselves how Government money is spent and to make on the spot inspections of public facilities and projects. This practice has already been adopted by the Public Expenditure Committee, and has been most successful.  10. The Ombudsman has overcome initial doubts about his position, and has proved to be a valuable adjunct to central Government. Labour believes that the time has come to extend his activities to local government. This is the area where the private citizen has his closest contacts with authority and although these are usually satisfactory, misunderstandings or mistakes sometimes occur. Labour will include local bodies in the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman.  DEFENCE. LABOUR believes that war can and must be prevented, and that New Zealand can play a significant role in this all important objective. Labour's defence policy is based on the concept that New Zealand will defend herself to the limit of her ability, and that this must be made clearly evident to our allies, and to any potential aggressor.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. A Labour Government will take every practical step to ensure New Zealand's territorial security; the security of our channels of trade, and our development as an independent though co-operative nation.  2. Labour subscribes to the development by negotiation of a mutual defence system of United Nations member states. New Zealand's participation in such a regional defence system would depend on the defence system being consistent with the United Nations Charter but not inconsistent with the general provisions of our existing defence treaty commitments.  REGULAR DEFENCE FORCES.  3. Labour's proposals for the Army, Navy, and Air Force will ensure that they are:  a. built up on an entirely volunteer basis Labour does not accept the principle of, peacetime conscription.  b. properly equipped and highly trained.  c. capable of maximum mobility.  d. capable of fulfilling our treaty obligations and our responsibility as a member of the United Nations.  e. trained so that they can provide constructive assistance with social and economic problems, particularly in South-East Asia.  TERRITORIAL FORCES.  4. A Labour Government will provide for territorial forces which are:  a. manned on a volunteer basis.  b. properly equipped and thoroughly trained.  c. capable of rapid mobilisation.  d. fully integrated into the national defence system.  CIVIL CONTRIBUTION.  1. Ports, airfields, roads, and railways will be developed so that they can contribute to the mobility of our defence system as well as to our economic progress.  2. Wherever possible defence expenditure will be directed to New Zealand industry.  3. Every effort will be made to acquire contracts for New Zealand industry f or the supply to our allies of food, clothing, footwear, and other military requirements.  LABOUR does believe in New Zealand, affirms that New Zealand will defend herself to the limit of her ability, does not believe in war, does not and will not accept the concept of peacetime conscription.  EARTHQUAKE AND WAR DAMAGE. The operation of the Earthquake and War Damage Act will be reviewed to ensure that adequate and fair coverage is extended to cover equitably storm damage to insured property. The present provisions whereby damage resulting from or through landslide is excluded will be reviewed to achieve more just treatment of this class of damage. LABOUR will ensure that the exclusion of any insured property from cover must be advised before the premium is accepted.  EDUCATION. LABOUR believes that every child has the right to a free education of the kind for which he is best fitted and to the full extent of his natural ability. No accident of colour or creed may stand in the way. Our cultural progress, our living standards, and our democracy itself depend on a sound educational system.  POLICY DETAILS. SCHOOLS.  1. All sections of our school system are developing new and more effective methods of teaching. To make the most of this surge forward more teachers, smaller classes, and more equipment are needed. Labour will make teaching more attractive by providing higher starting salaries and promotion prospects. School building must receive a higher proportion of the country's building capacity. Further increases must be made in the incidental grants from which teaching equipment for schools is bought.  STAFFING.  2. An intensified recruiting campaign for additional teachers will be implemented with improved conditions of service and salary prospects. Labour's objective will be to raise the educational qualification for entrance to the profession to University Entrance level, and all teachers desiring to do so will be given the opportunity to complete a University degree. Married women who are qualified teachers will be encouraged to return to teaching either on a full-time or part-time basis.  3. In order to ensure stability of staffing in individual schools an endeavour will be made to reach an agreement with the employing boards and the teachers, so far as is practicable, that all new appointments be taken up at the beginning of the first term. Any teachers appointed to vacancies after the beginning of the first term will receive the remuneration for the new positions as from the date of appointment, even if they continue their previous appointments to the end of the term.  4. Additional training colleges will be built as required, and all those desiring to enter the teaching profession and having the necessary qualifications will be admitted. Adults will be encouraged by suitable financial provisions to apply for entry to the full course of three years. Every endeavour will be made to speed up the introduction of the three-year course of training.  5. Opportunities for teachers and students to further their academic studies an full pay will be increased.  SMALLER CLASSES.  6. A Labour Government will introduce more liberal staffing schedules wherever staff and buildings are available.  PRESCHOOL.  7. Increased assistance will be given to expand Kindergarten and Play Centre work, especially into newer residential districts and other areas where there are large numbers of young children. This will be especially valuable to Maori and Pacific Island families who have recently moved to the cities. Proper pre-school opportunity is the basis of later education.  HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND SLOW LEARNERS.  1. It is disturbing that some handicapped children for one reason or another do not enjoy equal opportunity for a complete education. To ensure that all children obtain the same opportunity for a complete education the existing provisions for the education of handicapped children will be sympathetically reviewed. This provision covers all types of special schools including the establishment of hostels where these are an essential part of schooling.  2. The Department of Education will co-operate with the Departments of Health, Labour and Social Security and appropriate voluntary bodies and private organisations in order to formulate a scheme for aftercare training and employment of all children leaving special classes.  3. Better provision for slow learners within the existing framework of the primary and secondary school is needed. Further work in this field will be undertaken.  WELFARE OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE  11. An investigation will be made into the practicability of coordinating the efforts of all those departments dealing with the welfare of children and young people with the aim of establishing these services as a subunit of a Ministry of Welfare and Social Justice.  TECHNICAL EDUCATION.  12. To strengthen New Zealand's economy in a competitive and increasingly scientific world, the Labour Party will press for the vigorous development of training for technicians and technologists. The growth of technological institutes will be strongly encouraged. The complexity of modern industrial processes demands greater knowledge and skill from those employed in industry. Just as other countries have discovered, we must provide the necessary opportunities to learn the skills our country needs. Labour will expand the existing institutes and open new ones where necessary as a basis for the industrial progress New Zealand must have. Arrangements will be made for the institutes to give retraining as processes and products change, so that everyone may reap the benefits of increased productivity.  MAORI EDUCATION.  13. Special arrangements will be made to help Maori children to make the best use of their undoubted ability, so that they may reach the same level of education as other children. More pre-school centres will be established. Maori pupils will be encouraged to take greater advantage of the secondary school, technical institute and university facilities provided. Greater emphasis will be placed on adult education.  CHILDREN OF PACIFIC ISLANDERS.  14. Special arrangements will be made to help Island children to make the best use of their undoubted ability so that they may reach the same level of education as other children.  LIBRARIES.  15. Labour will ensure that all the larger primary schools and all secondary schools are provided with suitable library accommodation, and that all schools are given an increased grant for books and their storage.  BUILDINGS.  16. In addition to the provision of finance for new school buildings, an increased grant will be made to secure the speedier replacement of obsolete classrooms.  17. A programme for providing suitable halls at all intermediate and high schools at an early date will be established. The whole cost of these suitable halls and gymnasia at high schools will be met by the Government.  TELEVISION.  18. Television makes it possible for the standard of education available to be improved by supplementing the work of the teacher with a new aid influential aid. A scheme for the introduction of television as an aid in education will be instituted. Included in this programme will be training in television techniques to take advantage of the best of overseas developments. Every effort will be made to bring the benefits of this new aid and service to correspondence and country school children.  RURAL EDUCATION.  19. Labour will make a concentrated drive to bring our country schools, especially high schools, up to the best standard in staff, equipment, and buildings. To this end the following steps will be taken :  (a) Education Boards will be given discretionary powers to authorise longer school bus routes.  (b) Private transport allowance will be increased.  (c) More hostel accommodation will be provided at urban high schools to cater for post primary pupils from country districts.  (d) Boarding allowances will be increased to a more realistic level.  (e) Where numbers permit and it is in the interests of good education, Form I-VI schools will be established.  UNIVERSITIES.  20. Our universities are in a period of rapid expansion of student numbers. Their difficulties lie in finding adequate staff to teach and enough buildings to teach in. Labour will accelerate the building programme so that suitably qualified students will not be denied entry because of lack of room.  21. Staff salaries will be kept more nearly competitive with those in other countries since University staff is in short supply the world over, and we must compete for our teachers in what is an international market.  22. Money to support research projects at our Universities will be made available in increasing amounts, partly to meet the increasing cost of sophisticated equipment, and partly to extend the boundaries of knowledge.  23. As the country urgently needs more graduates, Labour will extend assistance to encourage part-time students who do not receive the benefits of the present bursary system. In particular, University fees will be reduced to such students on the first attempt at a subject or course, the Universities being recompensed for the reduction in fees by an increase in the Government grant.  ADULT EDUCATION.  24. Education in the modern world is a continuing process and increased opportunities for learning must be given to those whose formal schooling is over, not only to promote the spread of knowledge for its own sake, but to bring pleasure and a sense of achievement to those who take the opportunities offered. Labour will give increased support to adult education to assist the many voluntary bodies in this field as well as make it possible to expand the work of the Extension Departments of our Universities.  EXTERNAL AFFAIRS. The threat of conflict with the attendant menace of nuclear destruction has made the conduct of foreign policy more important than ever before. The New Zealand Government should not hesitate to express an independent viewpoint on international affairs, particularly on issues that bear on New Zealand’s interests. Labour's external affairs policy is based on democratic principles. It is based on a belief in freedom and equality. It is based on the belief that the use of force and threats in international affairs must give way to peaceful settlements and just solutions. All doctrines of racial superiority are totally rejected. Further, it is held that it is the bounden duty of affluent nations to help the poorer countries conquer poverty, disease, insecurity, and hopelessness. New Zealand's external affairs policy must be positive. It must:  1. Promote international cooperation, peace and harmony.  2. Provide for expanding and diversified trading opportunities.  3. Extend aid to developing countries.  4. Secure and maintain a peaceful future for our people.  COMMONWEALTH. As a loyal member state of the Commonwealth, New Zealand will steadfastly devote itself to the responsibility of strengthening the bonds of common interests on which a continuing Commonwealth depends. The members of the Commonwealth are our first friends in the international arena and foremost among them stands Britain. New Zealand's relationship with the United Kingdom can best be expressed by the three T's Trust, Tradition, and Trade. New Zealanders are in the main of British stock. In every way, Labour policies will give recognition to the unity of thought and support that we give and receive from the British people. A Labour Government would aim to strengthen the traditional ties with the United Kingdom, to reassert our independence in the councils of Commonwealth countries, and work for the development of mutual interests, cooperation, and peaceful relationships between all Commonwealth partners.  UNITED NATIONS. The United Nations is still mankind's best hope for peace and harmony. New Zealand, under a Labour Government, would give wholehearted support to the United Nations and to the principle of international cooperation that is inherent in the concept of the United Nations. The United Nations has a vital role to play as a peacekeeper. It is desirable that the United Nations should have at its disposal an international peacekeeping force of its own. Such a force should be contributed to by the widest possible range of United Nations member countries. Under a Labour Government New Zealand would support United Nations peacekeeping activities and would nominate a definite contribution it would be prepared to make available to a United Nations force designed to act in a peacekeeping role.  UNITED STATES - NEW ZEALAND RELATIONSHIPS. The United States is a staunch friend, and the association and mutual understanding between our countries is valued. Though there is not always unanimity, the friendship is constant. Cooperation between the United States and ourselves In the Pacific is vitally important and must continue.  ANZUS TREATY. The ANZUS Treaty is a defensive alliance between the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. It is essential, and must continue.  SEATO. SEATO in its present form is ineffective. The SEATO Treaty has not been involved in a military sense ever, nor has it fulfilled its original purpose. It would have no relevance to some of the dangers that could affect New Zealand. Some of the States with which we hale a common interest are not members. Labour would not withdraw from SEATO, but would seek support for a revision of the treaty.  ANZAM. New Zealand would continue to honour the responsibilities incurred under this arrangement.  NEW TREATIES. New Zealand has a responsibility to take the initiative for the maintenance of peace and good relationships between itself and neighbouring countries in the South Pacific and South-East Asia. In accord with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, New Zealand would endeavour to promote regional arrangements for the preservation of peace and the making of treaties of friendship, trade, and mutual assistance with South-East Asian and Pacific countries.  AID TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. Hunger and grinding poverty are the greatest causes of social unrest and revolution. Poverty anywhere menaces peace and prosperity everywhere. It is a bounden duty of affluent nations to help the poorer countries conquer poverty, disease, insecurity, and hopelessness. New Zealand's total Contribution to aid schemes, though useful, does not compare well with relative world standards. New Zealand should devote 1 per cent of its national income to extending aid to developing countries. Under a Labour Government this objective would be accepted and over a period aid would be increased progressively until this aim was fulfilled. Colombo Plan and other aid would be continued. New arrangements would be entered into and special attention given to the needs of our neighbours in the South Pacific and South-East Asia.  VIETNAM. A peaceful solution to the situation in Vietnam is the world's most urgent need. Labour believes that in the search for peace every avenue must be explored, and genuine attempts supported. Labour will continue to help the South Vietnamese people. Under a Labour Government New Zealand involvement and contribution will be greater. The New Zealand role will be changed. The 150 artillery men at present there will be replaced by substantially increased personal and constructive aid, thus joining in with the 30 other United Nations member States who are assisting Vietnam in this way. Aid granted will include medical aid and agricultural assistance. Out of recognition of the appalling suffering and great need of maimed and orphaned children, New Zealand would offer to establish in Vietnam an institution for these children and maintain, staff and operate this facility for a minimum of 10 years.  DISARMAMENT. The Labour Party, in Government and Opposition, has consistently urged the early inclusion of an international disarmament agreement subject to adequate rights of control and verification. Labour will continue to press for such an agreement, both within and outside the United Nations.  NUCLEAR WEAPON TESTS. Labour is opposed to all nuclear weapon testing by all nations, and will spare no effort to urge nuclear powers to agree to abandon nuclear tests for all time. It would therefore support the establishment by international agreement of nuclear-weapon-free zones. It is opposed to the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and will spare no effort in seeking effective means of ending the spread of nuclear weapons to further countries.  FARM INVESTMENT. Farm workers, and particularly sharemilkers, face special difficulties in raising the finance necessary for a deposit on a farm of their own. LABOUR believes that one of the main reasons for the difficulty in getting farm labour is that the average farm worker cannot see how he can ever get a chance to own a farm. Labour will therefore introduce special farm ownership investment accounts to encourage, and financially assist, farm workers to save for farm ownership.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. The proposed Rural Banking and Finance Corporation will be empowered to accept deposits to individual accounts to be known as farm ownership investment accounts.  2. Any bona fide farmer or farm worker who does not already own a farm will be entitled to open an account with the Corporation.  3. Qualified applicants will by able to deposit whatever proportion of their gross income they choose into their accounts, and such deposits will be deductible items for taxation purposes. A nominal rate of interest of three per cent will be paid on the deposits.  4. The accounts may be continued for such period as the Corporation deems sufficient to enable the applicant to accumulate sufficient funds to finance the purchase of a farm.  5. If the money is withdrawn for any purpose other than the purchase of a farm it will be taxed at the rate prevailing at the time it was deposited.  FINANCE. LABOUR believes that the overall aim of finance policy must be to encourage the expansion of production, to distribute goods and services fairly, and to make the exchange of these items as simple and easy as possible. New Zealand is still substantially dependent on overseas earnings for the maintenance of domestic incomes, prices, and living standards, however, and a close relationship must be maintained between trade trends overseas and the internal credit level.  POLICY DETAILS. CREDIT AND CURRENCY. Increasing population, higher productivity, and rising living standards all call for more credit and currency to finance higher activity. At present the supply of credit is expanded by a wide range of banking and quasi-banking institutions- the Reserve Bank, the trading banks, finance companies, stock and station agencies, building societies, hire purchase and insurance companies, and the short-term money market. This supply is normally related to internal demands, but not all the agencies which expand credit are equipped to measure and make allowance for movements in prices or trade returns overseas. Too often the result is a credit squeeze. Labour believes that measures taken before credit is issued are more effective than restrictions afterwards, and will take the following steps.  1. Labour will amend the Reserve Bank Act to bring all banking and credit activities within its jurisdiction. The Governor of the Reserve Bank will implement Government's instructions as conveyed to him by the Minister of Finance.  2. A development planning and advisory authority will be established. Although the initiative and responsibility for action must remain with the Government, the authority will investigate and report on all substantial development projects, and on the economic policies needed to support them. One of its main functions will be to advise Government on the desirable credit level and how it can best be used. The authority will incorporate committees at national and local levels and will be able to draw on expert and technical advice to give range and efficiency to its work.  3. Labour is concerned at some features of current hire purchase activity. In addition to the general control exercised by the Reserve Bank, a Labour Government will introduce a more competitive element by permitting trading banks to extend their personal loans system and authorising savings banks to establish personal loans systems. Legislation will be introduced to protect the customer and the fair hire purchase trader.  4. Consistent with the needs of a sound economy and with the more effective supervision over private activities in credit creation, the State should and will create and use credit at the cost of issue for purposes of approved capital development. The extent to which this can be exercised is governed by a number of factors and advice on it must be an important part of the work of the proposed planning authority. Because of the variable nature of the factors involved, there can be no precise predetermination of the amount of which Government may avail itself.  SAVINGS, BORROWING AND INVESTMENT. Savings are vital to capital development. Labour will aim to encourage savings, while recognising that the private sector must have access to an adequate share of the savings pool.  5. Labour's overall policy will seek the productive investment of genuine savings. Under Labour the Government's fund raising will, however, maintain a better balance between loans, ordinary tax revenue, and the fresh credit which an expanding economy regularly requires.  6. Interest rates will not be the sole attraction for saving. A sound investment policy requires that repayment costs are not forced ton high, and inducements to individual companies and institutions will be varied and will include adjustments in the rates and forms of taxation.  7. To restore more equal competition for savings deposits, the Post Office and certain other savings banks which seek the right will, subject to approval, be permitted to introduce appropriate withdrawal order or cheque systems for individual depositors. The detailed proposals of individual savings banks will be carefully considered to ensure that they are in the public interest. Labour will not rely on regular overseas borrowing for purposes of consumption but may on occasion need to raise money for specific capital works and for industrial development. With better management, the country should be able to relate its current earnings to its spending, but some overseas borrowing to augment our reserves can be justified as a temporary measure when we undergo an export price fall.  8. Labour is opposed to New Zealand's continued membership of the International Monetary Fund. At the same time it recognises that in view of the heavy liabilities incurred by the National Government, the depleted state of our overseas reserves, and the need to channel immediate overseas revenue towards increased production, it cannot give an assurance that it will be able to pay off existing debts and withdraw from the Fund in its first three years of office.  9. To make real provision for the retirement of overseas loans, part of our earnings in buoyant times will be set aside for loan redemption. The amount so invested each year will have regard to our continuing need for development but the practice is the same as that already followed theoretically in dealing with internal loan redemption. It is a requirement of recent loans raised in the American market that repayment shall be made progressively and there seems good reason to extend the practice to other loans, to avoid the consequences of a large single maturity that may coincide with a period of loan or trading stringency.  10. For the purposes of industrial development, Labour will seek some capital overseas, channelling it to specific projects through the Development Finance Corporation. Our purpose will be to retain control of such industry, within New Zealand, an aim which cannot be achieved by allowing unrestricted private investment from abroad in the form of equity or risk capital.  11. Where overseas investment seeks only the takeover of existing concerns, control will be exercised under the policy on takeovers set out below. The main consideration will be the national interest, particularly where the net result of the proposed takeover would be the transfer of profits earned in New Zealand to overseas investors.  12. All takeover proposals, whether by New Zealand or overseas principals, will be subject to scrutiny by a Takeover, Monopoly, and Foreign Investment Authority.  13. The Authority will have power to examine all takeover proposals and will be required to base its decisions on the broad principle of the national interest.  14. The Authority will consist of five members appointed by the Governor-General, and there will be a right of appeal against its decisions.  INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. Industrial development in some centres has already reached the stage where it will continue to generate additional expansion. In other centres, however, population has outstripped employment and industrial capacity. Labour believes that for social as well as economic reasons industry must be expanded outside the main centres to provide employment for young people within the local community and to increase local prosperity.  15. Labour will strengthen the present Development Finance Corporation by amending its structure. The Corporation's capital and its lending ability will be extended, and Government participation, both direct and through agencies, will be increased.  16. Labour will authorise the Development Finance Corporation to operate an Industrial Development Section. Its purpose will be to encourage the extension of existing industry and the establishment of new industry in specially defined development areas.  17. The policy of encouraging industry in approved areas will be vigorously pursued. In promoting regional development Labour will encourage suitable industries in centres of Maori population.  18. Areas recommended by the Corporation and approved by Government will be defined as special development districts. Local committees, representing both primary and secondary industry, will be appointed to encourage local industrial expansion and to recommend to the Corporation the assistance which should be given to existing or projected industries employing 10 or more people.  19. The Corporation will be authorised to grant the following assistance to approved industries:  (a) Rail freight subsidies of up to 50 per cent towards the cartage of finished products to internal markets or export outlets.  (b) Finance at low rates of interest for factory construction or expansion and for the purchase of approved machinery which will increase productivity.  (c) Guarantees to the State Advances Corporation or other lending institutions for housing for technicians or specialists brought from other areas.  (d) Similar guarantees to enable local bodies to raise finance for acquiring and developing approved industrial sites.  20. Internal and/or where necessary external borrowing, provided it comes within the general economic policy, will be used to develop New Zealand industry. Such borrowing offers one way of achieving expansion without surrendering New Zealand ownership and control. It could ensure that overseas capital could be available on terms which may enable the present equity capital investment, which erodes New Zealand control, to be replaced. Overseas capital will normally be channelled so that it reduces overseas expenditure or increases overseas earnings.  21. The Corporation will be given overall management of the development programme and of specific forms of service and assistance to existing industry.  22. To stimulate exports, the present export guarantee insurance provisions will be amended and extended.  23. Direct encouragement to industry will be through investment allowances rather than through additional depreciation allowances. A proportion of each year's profits may be set aside in a special account, and will not be liable to company tax. If the money is withdrawn for the purchase of approved plant and machinery, it will not be taxed as earned profits. If it is withdrawn for other purposes however, it will be taxed at the rate prevailing at the time it was deposited.  FARM FINANCE. There is evidence that, despite the many agencies providing finance for agricultural development, capital is not as readily available as the targets laid down by the Agricultural Development Conference require. Labour will make this finance available through an existing State agency.  24. A Labour Government will separate the farm and urban activities of the State Advances Corporation, and reconstitute the farm activities under an Agricultural Banking and Finance Corporation. The Corporation will work closely with the Marginal Lands Board, but will not incorporate or eliminate it.  25. The Corporation will have its own board of directors, and will be authorised to receive deposits and make loans for all purposes connected with expanding farm production.  26. Taxation incentives, as set out in the Labour Party's taxation policy, will be introduced to stimulate increased farm production.  FINANCE FOR CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME. A Labour Government will distinguish between the financing of capital works which are revenue producing and those that are not, with the aim of reducing the ultimate cost of capital works to the taxpayer.  27. Where possible non-revenue producing capital works will be financed from current revenue to reduce the ultimate cost.  28. Capital works which produce revenue will continue to be financed from loans, with provision in the charges for the payment of interest and principal.  29. In 1965 the National Government made provision to collect an extra 25 per cent capital charge from electricity consumers to pay for future electricity generation. The new five-year agreement with the power supply authorities takes effect from 1 April 1967, and provides for the collection of an additional 25 per cent capital charge. A Labour Government will not collect any of this additional 25 per cent capital charge.  FISHING INDUSTRY. Although the potential fish catch around New Zealand's shores cannot be accurately estimated, there is sufficient evidence from fishermen, marine biologists, and other scientists to indicate that there is an abundance of species of fish, particularly in deep water, which have not been adequately studied. LABOUR believes that recent legislation does not give the Fishing Industry Board sufficient power or money to develop the industry. LABOUR will accelerate research, and will establish a public corporation to ensure full utilisation of fishing resources.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. A Labour Government will establish a public corporation representing fishermen and research organisations to stimulate the expansion of the fishing industry. The corporation's aims will be to supply the local market with adequate supplies of fresh fish at reasonable prices, and encourage exports, particularly to help feed undernourished people in other parts of the world.  2. In co-operation with the industry, Labour will implement plans for large-scale development of fishing to serve both local and export markets.  3. New Zealand's fishing grounds will be protected and all laws, national and international, designed to protect our rights will be enforced.  4. An extensive research programme covering marine life, catching methods, processing, packaging and hygiene will be undertaken to help the industry achieve maximum efficiency and develop export markets.  FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN NEW ZEALAND. New Zealand's agricultural, factory and servicing industries have the right to protection from foreign investment which could prejudice their existence or economic viability. LABOUR believes that the economic and social effects of foreign investment are more important than the level of the investment itself.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. A LABOUR Government will strictly supervise foreign investment in New Zealand.  2. The value of proposed foreign investment will be measured in terms of its contribution to the type and quality of economic growth it implies.  3. Wholly owned subsidiaries of overseas companies will be required to issue full financial reports.  FORESTRY. LABOUR recognises the great potential for forest development and timber based industries in New Zealand. A Labour Government will provide the financial and technical assistance for increased State and private forest planting. Optimum land utilisation will be studied to prevent any clash between forestry and farming.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. Particular attention will be given to expected local requirements as well as to export potential when the distribution of new plantings of exotic timbers is planned.  2. Detailed land utilisation surveys will be carried out before land is acquired for afforestation to endure that there is no clash between forestry and farming.  3. Labour will give priority to forest planting in critical catchment areas, and indigenous forests in such areas will be preserved.  4. Planting for sand dune reclamation will be accelerated.  5. Industries using timber as a raw material are particularly appropriate to Labour's industrial decentralisation policy, and their development will be fostered. Particular attention will be given to timber based industries producing for export, and to those which try to diversify timber exports beyond pulp and paper and create added value to the basic product.  6. The farm forestry encouragement scheme will be continued with special emphasis on planning for conservation purposes. The scheme will be used to help local bodies and private interests provide sufficient exotic timbers to meet local needs. The Chatham Islands will be included in the full scope of the farm forestry encouragement policy. The special transport needs of the industry will be surveyed to allow for future expansion and to ensure supplies of timber to areas remote from forests. The needs of the forestry industry will form part of the general transport survey to be conducted by the Transport Council.  8. Maori Land Incorporations formed to produce timber will be encouraged where Maori land is suitable only for afforestation.  9. Research into all aspects of timber production, including timber treatment, will be extended. The aim of research will be to develop and diversify the utilisation of forest resources.  FUEL AND POWER. MINISTRY OF FUEL AND POWER. New Zealand must make full use of her own indigenous fuel resources, and it is the Government's task to ensure that these assets are used for the benefit of the Nation as a whole. Coal, natural gas, coal gas, and electricity can all be produced in New Zealand from our own resources. On the other hand, most of our oil requirements must be imported. To ensure the maximum use of our natural fuel, and to assist a policy of integrating fuel and power development, Labour will establish a ministry of Fuel and Power.  POWER PLANNING. Labour recognises that it is the State's responsibility to plan the generation of electric power to meet the growing demands of a healthy developing nation. To give our rapidly increasing population a high standard of living we must have an expansion of production on all fronts. Labour believes that the inadequate planning of the past six years must be replaced by a more realistic approach to New Zealand’s requirements. Labour was the first Government to recognise the necessity for long-range planning for electricity development, and in the 1958 White Paper announced its policy of establishing two permanent Planning Committees; one to estimate the power requirements of the future, and the other to plan development to meet those requirements. The Power Planning Committee will be remodelled to fit the concept of the national planning council referred to in the finance policy. It will draw on the experience of local supply authorities and industry specialists to form one of the major specialist advisory committees of the planning council. The Electricity Advisory Council was set up by the National government in 1961. It consists of three members, and reports to Parliament annually on the effects the Power Planning Committee's programme is having on the demand. Invariably, its report is twelve months too late and, therefore, it performs no useful function. A Labour Government will abolish it.  POWER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME. The latest Power Planning Committee report shows that New Zealand faces a serious shortage of both base load and peak power between 1967 and 1973. This shortage is serious enough, but when it is realised that the programme relies on Marsden Paint station producing first power by June 1967, a gas turbine station at Otara producing peak power by April 1968, and Manapouri No. 1 and 2 machines in production by April 1969, the inadequacy of the National Government's planning becomes apparent. Marsden Point is well behind schedule, and little or no work has been done at Otara. The progress at Manapouri has been so slow that it is obvious there is little chance of completion as scheduled. It is therefore imperative that all schemes in the programme be speeded up, and a Labour Government will take steps to do this.  Marsden Point Station. To meet the power demands of 1967 this station should be producing power in June i967. Inadequate planning, a ridiculously tight programme, and associated muddlement have caused considerable delay. Labour will therefore confer with all engaged on this project with a view to expediting its completion. Labour will also immediately negotiate with the oil companies a price for the fuel to be used.  Manapouri. The Manapouri scheme is so far behind schedule that there is little prospect of it producing power by 1969. The National Government's plan is based on Manapouri producing 1,500 million units in 1969-70, or half the present consumption of the South Island. There is no appreciation from the National Government of the seriousness of the situation. Labour will conduct an immediate inquiry into the whole scheme to  (a) Speed up construction.  (b) Eliminate waste and reduce costs.  (c) Obtain a firm decision from Comalco on their future plans for establishing an aluminium industry based on power from Manapouri.  Gas Turbine Station (Otara). The Otara gas turbine station would not have been necessary had the National Government completed Maraetai II by April 1964. It is now imperative that additional peak power be made available by 1968. Labour recognises that gas turbine stations are most suitable for peak load purposes, but is opposed to their construction close to built-up residential areas where it can be avoided. This was the reason why Labour did not support the Otara proposal. A Labour Government will immediately investigate alternative sites close to Auckland.  Tongariro Development. Labour initiated the investigation into this scheme which, in spite of the increased costs, still appears quite attractive. Like many other works projects undertaken by this National Government however, poor planning and muddlement, coupled with an intent on the part of Government to delay construction have been responsible for increased costs and almost certain difficulty in meeting completion dates. Labour will proceed as rapidly as possible with this scheme and will safeguard residents on the Lower Waikato River from the costs of flooding arising from the additional water brought into Lake Taupo.  Maraetai II. The unjustified closing down of the construction of Maraetai II in 1961 has now forced the National Government to construct gas turbine peak load stations in Auckland and possibly Wellington. Maraetai II would have by now been producing sufficient peak power to meet the requirements of the North Island. The National Government has now decided to proceed with the construction of the station, but the cost will be almost £2 million higher than it would have been had it been completed in 1964. Labour will complete Maraetai II as soon as possible.  Coal Fired Station. The 1966 Power Planning report recommended one coal burning 600 megawatt thermal station at New Plymouth. While recognising the value of a large thermal station, especially if it uses New Zealand coal, to give flexibility in system operation, Labour is not satisfied that there has been sufficient study of the factors relating to the costs and siting of the station. On becoming the Government, Labour will obtain the best possible information and advice to enable the project to proceed on the most economical basis.  Kapuni Gas. The National Government stands condemned for not having reached agreement on the use of this valuable fuel. Over £1,5 million per year for the past three years could have been saved in overseas exchange if this field had been worked efficiently. The dispute between the Government and the oil companies is a dispute over the price the Government is prepared to pay for the raw gas. Labour accepts that this natural resource is available through the efforts of the oil companies, and, accordingly, they have the right to expect a fair price for the gas. By the same token, Labour believes that the Government should demand that this valuable asset is developed and used so as to be consistent with, and not in conflict with, our other natural fuel resources. Labour will first submit the proposal to arbitration to determine the price to be paid for the gas. If the figure arrived at is low enough to permit gas to be sold in Auckland and Wellington at a price relative to the price of electricity, Labour will proceed with the proposal to use natural gas as a premium fuel. If the price to be paid for the raw gas makes the piping and use of it uneconomic, Labour will purchase and use the gas for the production of electricity.  INVESTIGATIONS INTO FUTURE SOURCES OF ELECTRIC POWER. LABOUR will guarantee continuous investigation into the power resources of the North and South Islands.  Hydro Resources. The 1965 Power Planning Committee produced figures to show that even at present costs hydro power can be produced in New Zealand at about a third of the cost of either nuclear or oil or coal fired thermal stations. Labour will therefore continue to develop the hydro resources of both the North and South Islands. The most promising major scheme in the North Island is the Wanganui development, and this will be fitted into the programme as soon as possible. Further development of the major South Island rivers will be fitted into the normal expansion programme.  Geothermal Steam. The cost of electricity from this source is low when compared with costs of conventional thermal power, and the North Island received 15 per cent of its base power from Wairakei last year The successful use of geothermal steam at Wairakei and Kawerau makes it imperative that a more concentrated effort be applied to develop this valuable asset. Labour will therefore instruct the appropriate Government Departments to push ahead with geothermal investigations.  Nuclear Power. New Zealand is well endowed with natural and cheap sources of power. Although it is essential to consider the possible use of nuclear energy to provide electricity in areas where distribution and other factors are a problem, there appears little need at this stage to consider major developments in this field while cheaper power from indigenous sources is available.  Coal. It is to New Zealand's advantage to achieve optimum utilisation of our coal resources. Labour will vigorously pursue this objective by :  (1) Taking whatever steps are necessary to ensure the fullest utilisation of coal as a fuel for domestic and industrial purposes.  (2) Reducing freight rates on coal to ensure that it is sold at the lowest possible price.  (3) Encouraging the use of pulverised fuel in industry and investigating improved methods of transport.  (4) Retaining the New Zealand Gas council, and ensuring that subsidies paid are used to modernise plant and improve distribution methods to build greater confidence and efficiency into the industry.  COAL UTILISATION AND RESEARCH. While recognising the value of the work already carried out by both Government and other organisations, Labour believes there is great need to coordinate existing activities and to provide additional Government assistance to ensure research in depth. A Labour Government will therefore establish a research council, working under the Ministry of Fuel and Power, and charged with coordinating and extending the activities of the Fuel Technology Service and the Coal Advisory Service Association, The tasks currently in the hands of the Coal Mining Research Committee and the Coal Utilisation Committee will be taken over by the council.  GOVERNMENT SUPERANNUITANTS. Inflation, and the consequent rise in the cost of living, have eroded the purchasing power of Government servants who have retired on annuities from the contributory Government Superannuation Fund. Labour accepts the principle that those, who have served the Government during their working lives have a right to expect the Government to protect their standards of living when they retire. A number of countries, including Britain, Australia, the United States, France, Sweden, and other Scandinavian countries, have passed legislation to regularly adjust annuities so that they keep pace with the cost of living.  A LABOUR Government will pass similar legislation to annually adjust by a fixed amount the annuities of Government super annuitants.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. Investigations show that annuities granted in 1955 now have only three quarters of the purchasing power they had then. Without further investigation a Labour Government will provide automatic adjustments of 2 per cent a year. The adjustments will be retrospective to 1955, so that the superannuitant who retired in or since 1955 will have his annuity increased by two per cent for each year since he retired. The appropriate legislation will be introduced in 1967, and its effect will be that a superannuitant who retired this year will have his annuity increased by two per cent, if he retired in 1965 it will be increased by four per cent, and the increase will rise by two per cent each year back to the maximum of 24 per cent for those who retired in 1955 or earlier.  2. Provision will be made for a continuing annual increase of two per cent, but in all cases the maximum increase to the initial retirement allowance will be 24 per cent, which will be reached after 12 years.  3. The scheme has been thoroughly investigated, and it is clear that it can be financed from the normal revenue accruing to the Government Superannuation Fund, without any extra charge to the taxpayer.  HEALTH. LABOUR believes that there is not enough coordination between the various health services. More progressive and efficient medical services can be achieved by greater coordination between general practitioners, specialists, and in-patient and outpatient services. Although, under labour's proposed policy, costs will be higher in fields such as the medical service benefit and the specialist benefit, the overall result of more efficient administration and a dovetailing of services will be a better, more economical health service.  POLICY DETAILS. GENERAL HOSPITAL SERVICES.  1. A Labour Government will carry out an urgent survey of the needs in every hospital district so that hospitalisation can be provided for all who need it without the present excessive waiting lists. The survey will establish whether the bottleneck in a particular hospital is caused by shortage of beds, medical staff or nursing staff. Hospital Boards will be required to either provide more in-patient accommodation or make more efficient use of existing accommodation so that hospital treatment can be provided with a minimum of delay.  2. Specialist services throughout the country will be reviewed, with particular attention to the terms of appointment of specialists in public hospitals, to permit greater use of specialist services in hospitals.  3. Labour recognises the vital need to provide adequate outpatient services to assist in diagnosis before admission and to provide aftercare services. Hospital Boards will be encouraged to coordinate outpatient services with the services provided by general practitioners so that the medical skill available in the local community is fully utilised.  4. Liaison between general practitioners, hospitals, and district nurses will be encouraged by developing services to promote early rehabilitation. Where practicable certain facilities at present limited to hospitals will be made available in the patient's home.  5. The Hospital Advisory Council will be required to take local opinion into account when negotiating merging or alteration of hospital districts.  PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES.  1. Psychiatric services will be immediately and extensively overhauled to ensure that adequate inpatient and outpatient services are available.  2. Immediate endeavours will be made to overcome the present serious shortage of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.  8. Postgraduate study will be provided for doctors prepared to undertake and specialise in psychiatric work.  9. Outpatient facilities will be extended to enable earlier participation in community life.  10. Labour believes that psychiatric hospitals should be coordinated with general public hospitals under Hospital Board administration. This would help eliminate the distinction between those who are mentally ill and those who are physically ill. The steps by which this could be achieved will be worked out in consultation with the parties involved. Coordination of the two services will enable one general hospital system to be established.  VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS.  11. Labour recognises and appreciates the valuable work done by voluntary associations in many fields of medical care and occupational training. A Labour Government will provide increased grants and subsidies to enable such organisations to play an even more important role.  PHARMACEUTICAL BENEFITS.  12. There are an increasing number of complaints about the rising cost of medicines and drugs supplied on prescription. A Labour Government will carry out a detailed study of the cost of pharmaceutical benefits to ensure that full value is being obtained for the money expended. At the same time, the existing list of approved pharmaceutics that may be prescribed without cost to the patient will be examined with a view to adding such additional drugs as may be necessary.  DOCTORS' FEES.  13. Rising doctors' fees are placing an increasing financial burden on patients. A Labour Government will negotiate with the medical profession the following changes.  (a) Increased payment from the Social Security Fund to medical practitioners, to reduce as far as practicable the cost to the patient.  (b) The introduction of a specialist benefit to cover as far as practicable the cost of medical and surgical specialist care.  (c) More equitable mileage rates and other payments to help overcome the difficulty of providing medical services in country districts.  Payments from the Social Security Fund to general practitioners and specialists will be adjusted periodically to keep pace with proved movements in costs.  MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH.  14. Labour recognises the need for increased facilities and opportunities for general medical education and postgraduate study. A Labour Government will:  (a) Speed the completion of the medical school in Auckland, as this is clearly the remedy for the current shortage of house surgeons.  (b) Because the new Auckland medical school cannot produce a graduate until 1975, begin planning for a third medical school to cope with the growing demand for doctor, within New Zealand and our increasing responsibility to provide medical assistance in Southeast Asia.  15. Medical research is necessary for the medical care of our people and it can result in economies in the health services. A Labour Government will make increasing grants available for medical research.  NURSING.  16. Labour will encourage girls to take up nursing as a career by making a realistic survey of pay rates, hours of work, and other conditions of employment. The charges introduced last year for meals supplied to nurses on night and special duties will be abolished.  17. So that the nursing profession will remain open to all who will make good nurses, Labour will provide that any qualified nurse aid or community nurse, with or without School Certificate, will be eligible for general training.  DENTAL SERVICES.  18. Free dental services will be available to dependent children until they are 18.  19. Orthodontic treatment for dependent children will be incorporated in the Social Security scheme.  PREVENTIVE MEDICINE.  20. Preventive medicine and early diagnosis procedures play an important part in improving the health of the community. A Labour Government will place more emphasis on the preventive measures which surveys show are the most effective.  HOUSING. The Labour Party has always believed that every New Zealander has the right to adequate housing, and that the community has a responsibility to assist those people who are unable to house themselves adequately. A LABOUR Government will continue Labour's traditional policy of assisting those who wish to own their own homes, building State owned houses for those unable to contemplate homeownership, and encouraging local bodies to provide community owned housing.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. A Labour Government will increase house building to satisfy the needs of house seekers to the fullest extent of the materials and labour available, while still ensuring that quality is maintained.  2. To avoid the high social and economic waste caused by urban sprawl, to minimise transport costs, and to reduce the continual encroachment of housing into valuable agricultural land, Labour will give special attention to high-density housing and multistorey flats.  3. The Tenancy Act will be amended to protect the good tenant and the good landlord. The gradual erosion of tenancy and rent protection since the present Government took office will be arrested, and responsible businessmen will be protected from eviction or coercion into paying excessive premiums or rent.  4. A house buyer’s protection Bill will be introduced to establish statutory conditions as to the quality of work on new and converted houses and flats and the suitability of land for house and flat construction.  HOME OWNERSHIP.  5. The number of sections to be acquired and serviced and made available to the public for homebuilding will be increased.  6. The mortgage guarantee for the purchase of existing homes will be increased to 90 per cent, with provision for an additional amount for both new and existing homes in special circumstances.  7. Capitalisation of the family benefit will be extended to include the purchase of existing homes. A more liberal policy will be introduced when assessing eligibility to qualify for capitalisation.  8. The Trustee Act, the Trustee Savings Bank Act, and the Building Societies Act will be amended to enable a higher proportion to be advanced on freehold residential property.  9. State Advances loans will be available for the purchase of reasonably priced existing homes as well as for the purchase or erection of new homes.  10. There will be no arbitrary limits on State Advances loans. The Corporation will determine each application for a loan on its merits, and will take into account high cost areas, the credit worthiness of the applicant and the fact that an applicant may have been unable to accumulate savings because of trade training or higher education.  11. Overtime and bonus payments will be excluded from the income on which eligibility for three per cent loans is based. The income limit will be $2,080 a year, plus an additional $156 for each dependent child.  12. A four per cent loan scheme for applicants whose ordinary income does not exceed $2,500, plus $156 for each dependent child, will be introduced.  13. State Advances loans on homes will be able to be transferred when the property is sold. The loan may be transferred either to the new owner of the property or to a new approved property purchased by the mortgagee.  14. Post Office home lay-by accounts will be encouraged. The present limit of $2,000 in home lay-by accounts will be raised to $4,000 with a maximum deposit of $1,000 in any one year. Savings of $4,000 spread over the minimum of four years will earn a free deposit of $200 plus normal interest and smaller free deposits will be earned on savings over two years.  STATE AND PENSIONER HOUSING.  15. The number of houses built by the State for rental or for sale will be increased. New houses built for sale will be sold at cost to applicants who meet the qualifications for State house tenancy.  16. The income bar for State house tenancy will be raised to $1,900 a year, plus an additional $156 for each dependent child. Eligibility will be based on ordinary income, excluding overtime and bonus payments. Greater discretion will be given to income tolerances in special cases.  17. The income bar for State house tenancy will be regularly reviewed to ensure that it does not fall behind wages.  18. Urgent steps mill be taken to accelerate the construction of pensioner housing.  19. Religious and charitable organisations will be encouraged by generous State subsidies to provide accommodation for the aged and the infirm. Subsidies will be either 90 per cent of the total cost, or 100 per cent of the building with land and furniture the responsibility of the organisation concerned.  20. Removable living quarters adjacent to existing dwellings will be made available at a low rental to assist families who have sufficient land to care for their aged relatives at home.  IMMIGRATION. New Zealand needs suitable immigrants to maintain the labour force and to keep employment reasonably balanced. LABOUR will maintain the free passage scheme for selected immigrants. Maximum encouragement will be given to skilled tradesmen, farm workers, and others with special experience. Immigration will be maintained at a level appropriate to the country's ability to provide worthwhile employment and satisfactory accommodation.  IMPORT LICENSING. It is clear that import licensing must be retained until export revenue is sufficient to allow unrestricted imports without any rundown in our overseas exchange reserves. The present Government has consistently stated that it will remove import controls, but despite record overseas income has been unable to do so. LABOUR believes that if import control is necessary, and it clearly is, then its administration should be streamlined so that the business community suffers as little delay and frustration as possible. It also believes that if imports must be restricted, then all imports should be considered and treated equitably when the licensing schedule is being prepared.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. To obviate many of the delays and frustrations associated with the present licence issuing procedure, which originated in a financial crisis, a Labour Government will make a number of reforms in procedure.  2. Import licences will be issued by a special licensing section of one Government Department. The duplication and delays resulting from the present system of having to consult both the Customs and Industries and Commerce Departments will be eliminated.  1. A Labour Government will progressively move towards the issue of end user licences to give manufacturers and processors a guaranteed supply of raw materials.  2. Long-term planning is just as important to industry as it is to Government. Labour will therefore institute a system of guaranteed minimum licences for approved materials for three years. Manufacturers in the categories concerned will not have their basic licences cut during that period, and will be able to plan production knowing that the only adjustments or alterations will be the approval of additional supplementary licences as overseas funds become available.  3. A Labour Government will provide incentives for importers who surrender licences for all or part of their allocations because they are not required during the licence period. The surrender of such licences will not result in reduction in the following year's basic licences.  4. To encourage manufacturers to develop manufacture in depth by making components formerly imported or using local alternatives, special licence adjustments will be made so that they benefit from their initiative.  5. The present overseas exchange situation is critical, and some importers have obviously abused the exemption from licensing of some commodities. Some items which have been freed from control since 1960 will therefore be recontrolled. Where goods are recontrolled, goods imported since 1 July 1966, the start of the current import licensing year, will be a charge against the licences issued.  8. Labour will investigate abuses in the allocation of new motor vehicles to private purchasers, and the trade-in and hire purchase practices on the second-hand car market.  INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. Industrial development in some centres has already reached the stage There it will continue to generate additional expansion. In other centres, however, population has outstripped employment and industrial capacity. LABOUR believes that for social as well as economic reasons industry must be expanded outside the main centres to provide employment for young people within the local community and to increase local prosperity.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. Labour will strengthen the present Development Finance Corporation by amending its structure. The Corporation's capital and its lending ability will be extended, and Government participation, both direct and through agencies, will be increased.  2. Labour will authorise the Development Finance Corporation to operate an Industrial Development Section. Its purpose will be to encourage the extension of existing industry and the establishment of new industry in specially defined development areas.  1. The policy of encouraging industry in approved areas will be vigorously pursued. In promoting regional development Labour will encourage available industries in centres of Maori population.  2. Areas recommended by the Corporation and approved by Government will be defined as special development districts. Local committees, representing both primary and secondary industry, will be appointed to encourage local industrial expansion, and to recommend to the Corporation the assistance which should be given to existing or projected industries employing 10 or more people.  3. The Corporation will be authorised to grant the following assistance to approved industries:  (a) Rail freight subsidies of up to 50 per cent towards the cartage of finished products to internal markets or export outlets.  (b) Finance at low rates of interest for factory construction or expansion and for the purchase of approved machinery which will increase productivity.  (c) Guarantees to the State Advances Corporation or other lending institutions for housing for technicians or specialists brought from other areas.  (d) Similar guarantees to enable local bodies to raise finance for acquiring and developing approved industrial sites.  INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS. The Labour Party adheres firmly to the principle of industrial conciliation and arbitration. Good industrial relations are important to everyone, and steps will be taken to repeal, amend, or promote legislation which can improve industrial relations. LABOUR will continue the system of General Wage Orders, but will relate them to increased productivity. Labour welcomes the contribution which automation and increased technical knowledge can make to productivity and living standards, and will ensure that the advantages are shared by the employer, the employee, and the general public.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. The Labour Department will be charged with enforcing all provision of awards and industrial agreements registered under the I.C. and A. Act.  2. Labour believes that the General Wage Order system should be retained, and will continue the Economic Stabilisation Regulations which authorise them. The Regulations will be amended, however, to:  (a) make it mandatory that the Court of Arbitration grants increases to wage and salary earners corresponding to the value of increased productivity which has occurred since the last General Wage Order.  (b) provide that any increase granted by the Court shall apply from the first day of the hearing for the increase.  (c) require the Court to accept the principle of equal increases for men and for women when it grants a General Wage Order.  (d) ensure that General Wage Orders do not reduce margins.  3. Section 103, subsection 3, of the New Zealand Railways Act will be restored so that General Wage Orders and other pronouncements of the Court of Arbitration automatically apply to railway workers.  4. A Labour Government will amend the Factories Act to provide better working conditions in factories, particularly temperature, humidity, and noise control. Special steps will be taken to ensure that the provisions of the Act are enforced, and the Act will be extended to cover all workers not already protected by this or other legislation, including employees of Government Departments and local bodies.  5. The Workers Compensation Ant will be completely reviewed to ensure that it adequately protects persons injured or killed at work and their dependants. The review will incorporate:  (a) more liberal compensation for injury or death, either at work or while travelling to and from the place of employment.  (b) rehabilitation to help restore workers to employment.  (c) a lump sum and/or pension scheme for the totally incapacitated worker, or on his death for his dependants, without prejudicing the common law rights of the individual. Because such a review will necessarily take some time, interim amendments to the present law will be made.  1. The Waterfront Industries Act will be amended in the light of experience of its 13 years of operation.  2. Management training schemes will be encouraged and assisted, particularly in technical institutes, to help employees in industry and administration acquire higher skills and training and assume greater responsibility.  8. Labour welcomes the contribution which automation, advancing technology and mechanisation can make to increased production, rising living standards, and improved working conditions. So that the advantages can be achieved without social and industrial injustice, a Labour Government will ensure that the advantages are shared by the employer, the employee, and the general public. The measures proposed will include redundancy compensation and job retraining.  9. The present annual holidays system under which some employees get three weeks leave and others get only two is anomalous. A Labour Government will amend the Annual Holidays Act so that all workers receive a minimum of three weeks annual leave.  10. Holiday pay is at present assessed on the basic wage earned at the time the leave is taken. A Labour Government will provide that holiday pay is based either on the average actual earnings of the employee during the preceding year, or on the wage being paid at the time the leave is taken, whichever is the higher.  11. To help provide continuity and stability in the labour force, a Labour Government will encourage the introduction of long service leave.  12. Industrial safety legislation will be reviewed to ensure that industrial safety can be more effectively promoted.  13. Legislation will be introduced to protect the interests of contributors to private employee superannuation schemes.  LAND. LABOUR's land policy is aimed at increasing the acquisition and development of farming blocks while protecting the interests of bona fide farmers and retaining New Zealand farmland for the benefit of New Zealanders. A Labour Government will also tackle rising land prices by checking land speculation.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. In extending the development of suitable farming land a Labour Government will give particular attention to areas where land holdings have been allowed to degenerate.  2. Land speculation is one of the main reasons for present-day inflated land values. A Labour Government will therefore reintroduce a residential qualification for farmland purchase. Special provisions will be made for legitimate farming and land development companies. In determining whether a proposed land purchase represents land aggregation, the Court will consider the likely effect of the sale on improved efficiency and increased production.  3. Future purchase of farmland will be restricted to persons resident in New Zealand or companies controlled by New Zealanders.  4. The Marginal Lands Board will continue to function and maintain a close liaison with the proposed Rural Banking and Finance Corporation.  5. Because of the heavy burden placed on lessees of Crown land, a Labour Government will introduce a system of appeal and arbitration to determine fair and equitable rentals when they are due for revision. This right of appeal will be available to all Crown lessees whose land valuation has increased by 5 per cent or more per annum since the previous rental assessment.  6. Local bodies undertaking town planning will be assisted to acquire land for sale or lease after purchasing. A Labour Government will purchase land in and around expanding areas to provide sections for housing and other purposes.  LAW AND ORDER. A LABOUR Government will give early attention to the problem of crime in the community. Some aspects of the steadily growing crime rate are alarming, particularly senseless crimes of wanton destruction and hooliganism. Certain groups, mainly young people, are offending beyond their numbers, and this calls for special study and action. All sections of the community are entitled to proper protection for themselves and their property, and we have a particular duty to protect those of tender years. While we must be responsive to modern thinking on the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders, everything possible will be done to ensure that the guilty are apprehended and adequately punished.  CIVIL CASES. For civil cases a Labour Government will revive the Legal Aid Bill based on the system operating in England and prepared in consultation with the Law Society over a period of years. After long delay this was introduced into Parliament this year as the election approached but quietly shelved by the Government. LABOUR will proceed with the scheme after giving due weight to any representations made in respect of it.  Licensing hours. A Labour Government will make no further changes in licensing hours until the people concerned have given their consent. Labour will provide that the question of changes in licensing hours is decided by a referendum before the end of October 1967.  LOCAL GOVERNMENT. LABOUR believes that a review of all aspects of local government is necessary. A Labour Government will allow local bodies to erect motels and commercial buildings, provided they have the ratepayers' approval, and will extend the Ombudsman's jurisdiction to cover local bodies.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. A Labour Government will undertake a review of all aspects of local government. Local body financing will receive special attention because rising interest rates for local body loans are helping to produce steadily increasing rate demands. Labour will investigate the possibility of establishing a Local Government Finance Corporation to assist local bodies to obtain finance for capital projects.  2. Labour will remove the restrictions which the present Government placed on local bodies prohibiting them from erecting motels in their areas. It will also extend. the provisions of the Municipal Corporations Act to enable local bodies to erect commercial and industrial buildings, subject to the approval of the ratepayers.  3. The Ombudsman has overcome initial doubts about his position, and has proved to be a valuable adjunct to central Government. Labour believes that the time has come to extend his activities to local government. This is the area where the private citizen has his closest contacts with authority, and although these are usually satisfactory, misunderstandings or mistakes sometimes occur. Labour will include local bodies in the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman.  4. Labour's plans to provide relief from the growing burden of rate demands are set out in the Rate Relief for Home Owners section of the manifesto.  MAORI AFFAIRS. The Labour Party adheres firmly to the purpose of providing for all citizens their inherent rights, privileges, obligations and equal opportunities. In so doing, it recognises the Maori people's identity and right to good homes, education, health and security, and equal opportunities in all spheres of New Zealand life. To further this aim, Labour will encourage the Maori people to greater self-determination and full participation. Its prime objective is to give meaning and sincerity to integration. LABOUR recognises that full and equal participation in the rights, opportunities, obligations and responsibilities fundamental to New Zealand citizenship are the basis of a happy and progressive nation, and will constantly promote policies designed to further this objective.  TREATY OF WAITANGI. Labour will proclaim 6 February as Treaty of Waitangi Day, to be regarded as New Zealand's national day. It will provide that it shall be a statutory, fully paid, annual holiday, to be observed throughout New Zealand and recognised as New Zealand's national day by our overseas missions. It will not be Mondayised.  MAORI PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION. Labour will continue at all times to consult the Maori people an all matters affecting their rights to Parliamentary representation. Labour believes that all electorates should be assessed on the same basis of population. A Labour Government will ensure the appointment of a Maori Member of Parliament to the, Executive Council as the representative of the Maori people on the Council.  MAORI LAND. Labour will retain Maori land in the ownership, proprietorship, or management of Maoris, and will continue to promote and encourage its fullest utilisation. A Labour Government will do all within its power to establish clear titles, and will ensure the fullest consultation, according to what is reasonable and practicable, with Maori land owners in all matters affecting their land.  LAND DEVELOPMENT. Labour will provide that, where appropriate, Maori land will be developed by the Lands Department. Following satisfactory recouping of costs, it will be made available to a qualified Maori owner, or failing this to any qualified Maori, by way of lease or purchase.  MAORI LAND ADVISORY COUNCIL. Labour will aim to bring Maori land into full production, and will establish an advisory body to carryout a survey of idle and other Maori land interests, to advise how this land might be utilised, and to make available expert assistance to help the programming of such utilisation. The advisory body will include specialist personnel from Government Departments and other sources such as the Departments of Lands and Survey, Agriculture, Scientific and Industrial Research, Industries and Commerce, and Maori Affairs, the New Zealand Forest Service and the universities.  MAORI LAND INCORPORATIONS. To encourage Maori land incorporations to extend and develop both their personnel and land interests to greater productivity, a Labour Government will:  (a) Increase the lending under Sec. 460 of the Maori Affairs Act 1953 for short and, in particular, long-term development.  (b) Assist incorporations to finance the purchase of non-economic and other Maori land interests on behalf of its beneficiaries, provided the land is to be developed.  (c) Assist with, and encourage the training of their personnel.  (d) Authorise lending to Maori land incorporations by the Maori Trustee for housing, conversion, and other approved purposes.  (e) Appoint a representative of incorporations on to the Board of Maori Affairs.  (f) Invite representatives of Maori land incorporations and other interested parties to a Conference to consider and suggest other incentives which will benefit shareholders and provide greater efficiency and production.  MAORI LAND COURT. Labour will examine ways and means of streamlining the procedures of the Maori land Court and will review its functions.  MAORI MONIES. LABOUR will authorise an investigation into the finances held on behalf of Maori individuals by solicitors, land agents, Government Departments, the Maori Trustee, trusts, estates, and other agents with a view to facilitating the proper distribution to beneficial owners of these accumulated funds.  MAORI TRUSTEE. LABOUR will encourage the use of the provision whereby the Maori Trustee may provide financial aid or loans to qualified Maoris for approved business purposes.  COMPENSATION FOR MAORI LAND ACQUIRED BY THE CROWN FOR THE NATION. LABOUR will ensure that the Crown shall offer to acquire, on just and equitable terms, Maori land which the Crown needs for the benefit of the Nation, such as:  (a) Maori land taken for National Park Reserves.  (b) Maori hilltop lands, use of which by the Maori owners would immediately subject the lower lands to serious flooding.  (c) Maori forest lands which the Maori owners may not mill, as milling would cause or aggravate soil erosion.  HOUSING. The full provisions of Labour's housing policy are available to all applicants whether Maori or European. Labour will continue to advance loans to families for their housing needs. In rural areas, though not necessarily in all cases, regard will be had to economic servicing with public utilities and to the provision of schools, shopping facilities, and other amenities. Particular attention will be given to areas where industries can be encouraged. Trust Boards and other suitable organisations for Maoris will be assisted to provide pensioner housing for the elderly. The basis of Government assistance for approved schemes will be the standard subsidy and loan provisions under which the present local body pensioner housing scheme operates. The provision of the land will be the responsibility of the sponsoring organisation. As in the case of the local body pensioner scheme administration and maintenance will be in the control of the sponsoring organisation.  REALISATION ON LAND INTERESTS. Labour will, where practicable, endeavour to facilitate the establishment of clear title to Maori land. To assist with the acquisition of, or payment for, a house and furnishing Maori land beneficiaries will be able to realise on their interests in approved circumstances.  EDUCATION. The full provisions of Labour's Education policy will be equally available to Maoris and Europeans. Special arrangements will be made to help Maori children to make the best use of their undoubted ability, so that they may reach the same level of education as other children. More pre-school centres will be established. Maori pupils will be encouraged to take greater advantage of secondary school, technical institute, and university facilities provided. Greater emphasis will be placed on adult education.  VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE AND TRADE TRAINING. Labour will place greater emphasis on all categories of professional, occupational, and skilled training for young Maoris. It will see that every Maori school leaver is counselled to ensure his satisfactory placement into the vocational training for which his aptitudes, skills, and schooling are most suited. Labour will continue and extend the facilities for trade and technical training for boys and girls.  HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION. Labour will provide for more adequate hostel accommodation by making generous grants to religious and other approved organisations for the construction and maintenance of hostels.  MAORI LANGUAGE. Labour will discuss and investigate ways of achieving a wider understanding of the Maori language.  ARTS, CRAFTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES. Labour will encourage the arts and crafts of the Maori people, and will assist institutes and educational tutors in the extension of this work. Every endeavour will be made particularly by assistance to youth organisations, to promote cultural appreciation and good will.  MAORI WELFARE. Labour will continue to support the splendid efforts of voluntary welfare organizations in social and welfare work. They will be encouraged to maintain their voluntary character, and will be given the fullest cooperation and assistance in the furtherance of their work.  NEWS MEDIA OWNERSHIP ACT. LABOUR believes that proposed overseas takeovers of newspapers should be considered in exactly the same way as takeovers of other New Zealand undertakings.  POLICY DETAIL  1. Labour will repeal the News Media Ownership Act, and will provide that takeover offers for the assets of a newspaper are considered in terms of the general law governing takeovers and monopolies.  2. Provisions governing other forms of news media will not be necessary, because Labour does not intend to depart from the present principle of public ownership of radio and television stations.  OVERSEAS TRADE. Unless New Zealand can earn more from the sale of its products overseas its standards of living cannot be maintained. Labour will encourage the expansion of existing markets and the establishment of new markets.  POLICY DETAILS. SHIPPING CORPORATION.  1. To augment the existing activities of producer boards and exporters a Labour Government will establish a New Zealand Shipping Corporation to service new or limited markets and to thoroughly investigate the whole question of the sea transport which must be available to carry our produce at competitive freight rates.  2. The Corporation will be widely representative, and will charter small ships, preferably an the New Zealand Register, to develop and serve markets which are too small or isolated to attract the major shipping lines.  3. In conjunction with the Development Finance Corporation and the export guarantee insurance scheme, the Shipping Corporation will guarantee the initial cost of charter and will make good any losses.  4. The Corporation will be authorised to investigate the expansion of the charter service by the purchase of ships.  5. In arranging charters the Corporation will provide for the vessel to be manned by a New Zealand crew.  EXPORT INCENTIVES.  6. To encourage the export of manufactured goods Labour will allow any annual increase in export revenue to be exempt from company tax or income tax. Annual increases in the value of exports will be deducted from assessable income for that year.  TRADE PROMOTION.  7. To assist companies or groups wishing to engage in overseas markets but lacking the necessary marketing facilities, Labour will explore the possibility of attaching competent persons with the necessary commercial experience to Trade Commission posts for limited periods. The appointees would act as salesmen for New Zealand produce.  8. As an inducement to trade expansion, arrangements will be made for reciprocal trade for a proportion of increased New Zealand exports to be negotiated with the countries concerned.  9. Efforts will be made to ensure that market exploration results in production being geared to what the particular market desires and can afford.  10. In areas where long-term trade is beneficial a Labour Government will be prepared to negotiate long-term credits to establish a market which might otherwise be lost.  11. A Labour Government will encourage producer boards to establish their own coal stares in overseas countries.  12. Labour will offer material assistance to developing nations particularly in South-East Asia, so that new markets can be established and the volume of trade with underdeveloped countries can be increased.  13. Labour believes that existing market facilities combined with the above incentives should enable rapid trade expansion. If additional export agencies are necessary, however, Labour will not hesitate to establish them.  RAILWAYS. A modern, efficient railways system is an essential part of the Labour Party's overall plan for New Zealand's development.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. A LABOUR Government will continue the modernisation of the Railways, including modernising workshops in secondary towns so that greater use can be made of local labour in the production and repair of rolling stack.  2. Special attention will be given to providing fast, efficient suburban train services in the main centres to lessen congestion on roads through use of private transport.  3. A Labour Government will restore Section 103, Subsection (3) of the Government Railways Act (1949), which provides that General Orders and other pronouncements of the Court of Arbitration must be automatically applied to railway workers.  4. Many railway workers are forced by their occupations to transfer from centre to centre during their careers, and are unable to acquire their own homes. A Labour Government will discuss with the various railway organisations the possibility of establishing a scheme which would provide such employees with the deposit for a home on their retirement.  5. As part of its Industrial Development Policy, a Labour Government will introduce rail freight subsidies of up to 50 per cent for approved industries in special development areas to enable them to transport their finished products to internal markets or export outlets.  6. Labour will retain the present railway line from Paeroa to Waihi so that it can continue to serve primary and secondary industry in the area.  7. Labour believes that the traffic problems of the rapidly developing Auckland urban area will continue until a coordinated bus and rail system is provided. Labour accepts in principle the de Leuw Cather report's recommendations for a rapid transit system, and on becoming the Government will discuss with the Auckland Regional Authority how an early start can be made on an acceptable system.  8. Labour believes that the electrification of the main trunk line from Wellington could be extended beyond the present terminal at Paekakariki. A Labour Government will give early consideration to extending the electrification.  RATE RELIEF SCHEME FOR HOME OWNERS. Rising costs, including local body loan interest rates under the present Government, have made property rates an increasing financial burden for home owners. Annual rate demands are a particular problem for people on low incomes or people such as pensioners and superannuitants who are on fixed incomes. A LABOUR Government will introduce a scheme which will provide a rebate of rates for home owners below certain income bars. The scheme is expected to provide rebates for approximately two fifths of those paying rates on owner occupied properties, with or without mortgage. As a second and later step, Labour will allow a proportion of the rates paid on owner occupied private dwellings to be a deductible item for income tax purposes.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. A LABOUR Government will introduce legislation to allow for a rebate of rates for owner occupiers of private dwellings whose income is not beyond specified limits.  2. Every ratepayer will meet the first $30 of his rates plus one third of the remaining sum. The remaining two thirds will be met by central Government, subject to the following qualifications:  (a) To earn the full rebate, the ratepayer's income must not exceed $936 for a single person, or $1,248, including the wife's income, plus $156 for each dependent child in the case of a married couple.  (b) Where the ratepayer's income is higher than the limits in the full rebate is reduced by 25c for every $2 of annual income above the limit.  The rebate does not stop immediately, but tapers off. Examples are given in Appendix to this policy statement. The ratepayer will have the option of declaring his income to his local authority or claiming his rebate from the Inland Revenue Department after he has paid the full rates.  4. The rebate will apply only to owner occupied homes not used for commercial purposes. It will not apply to boarding houses, dwellings attached to shops and property in respect of which rates may be claimed as a tax deduction or to which any other relief applies.  5. As a second and later step, Labour will allow a proportion of rates paid on owner occupied dwellings to be a deductible item for income tax purposes.  6. The introduction of a stamp system of prepayment for the convenience of both local authorities and ratepayers will be investigated.  APPENDIX. EXAMPLES OF APPLICATION OF RATE RELIEF SCHEME.  1. Single, widowed or separated person. Full rebate, two thirds of rates over $30 if his income is not more than $936 per year. Full rebate will be $6.67 on rates of $40; $20 on rates of $60; $17.33 on rates of $80; $60 on rates of $120. If his income is more than $936 per year the amounts will taper off by 25c for each $2.00 of additional income until all the rebate ceases at $990 for rates of $40; $1,196 for rates of $60; $1,204 for rites of $80; $1,416 for rates of $120.  2. Married Couple. Full rebate if joint income is not more than $1,248. If joint income is more than $1,248 per year amount of rebate will taper off by 25c for each additional $2.00 of income until the rebate ceases at $1,302 for rates of $40; $1,408 for rates of $60; $1516 for rates of $80, and $1,728 for rates of $120. For each child at school or under school age the $1,248 is increased by $156; thus a married couple with one child can get a full rebate if their income does not exceed $1,404. After that the rebate tapers off by 25c for each additional $2 of income until it vanishes at $1,558 for rates of $40; $1,564 for rates of $60; $1,772 for rates of $80, and $1,884 for rates of $120.  3. A widow with two children can get the full rebate up to $1,248 a year. After that the rebate will taper out at $1,302 for rates of $40; $1,408 for rates of $60; $1,516 for rates of $80 and $1,728 for rates of $120.  1. A married couple with three children can get the full rebate up to $1,716 per year. After that the rebate will taper off at $1,770 for rates of $40; $1,876 for rates of $60; $1,984 for rates of $80 and $2,196 for rates of $120.  2. A married couple with five children can get the full rebate up to $2,028 per year; after that it will taper out at $2,082 for rates of $40; $2,188 for rates of $60; $2,296 for rates of $80 and $2,508 for rates of $120.  3. A ratepayer, with four children and a total income of $2,250: RATE DEMAND $16740.  Allowance, husband, wife and 4 children $15872  Excess income $378  Basic payment $30.00  Subsidisable remainder $137.40 $162.40.  Possible subsidy (2/3rd remainder) $ 91.60  Reduced by 25c for each $2 of excess income above qualification (189 at 25c) 47.25.  ACTUAL SUBSIDY in this instance $44.35  Therefore actual rate payment is: $123.05  ROAD AND BRIDGE TOLLS. LABOUR opposes the principle of toll roads and bridges. It believes that the tolls on the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the Lyttelton Road Tunnel should be eliminated as quickly as possible, because they are not making a significant contribution to loan repayments and they are aggravating traffic congestion.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. A Labour Government will phase out existing tolls by annual reductions over five years. Increasing annual payments will be made from National Roads Board funds to meet bridge and tunnel costs.  2. Since greater use of public transport can ease midcity traffic congestion, the authorities will be asked to eliminate in the first year all tolls in public passenger transport, with consequent reductions in fares.  1. As a further step towards reducing traffic congestion, the authorities will be asked to eliminate the collection of tolls between midnight and 7 a.m. in the first year  2. Further public facilities of this kind which are part of the main highways system will be financed within present Roads Board motorway policy. This will include the proposed second stage development of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.  3. Arrangements will he made with the authorities concerned to ensure that the interests of staff are protected during the elimination of tolls.  SCIENCE AND RESEARCH. LABOUR recognises the value that accrues to New Zealand from planned, integrated scientific research. State controlled research organisations and private enterprise must work together in the interests of the nation.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. A Labour Government will accelerate the recruitment and retention of research staff with the requisite qualifications and experience.  2. It will conduct a sympathetic review of pay scales and conditions within the State Services to encourage staff increases, with due regard to the relationships with universities and private industry.  3. Individuals and industry will be encouraged by taxation incentives to finance research or carry it out where the Research Advisory Council reports that the research is in the national interest.  SOCIAL SECURITY MONETARY BENEFITS. LABOUR believes that benefits payable should be sufficient to provide standards of comfort which are reasonable in relation to general community standards.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. Under a Labour Government the rates of Social Security benefits will be determined after a thorough nationwide investigation into the actual living costs incurred by single and married beneficiaries.  2. A special cost of living index based on the results of the investigation will be established and maintained so that it records the actual living costs of beneficiaries.  1. All benefits which are subject to a means test will be adjusted every six months so that they keep pace with movements in the special pensioners' cost of living index.  2. Notwithstanding the above policy points, a Labour Government will make an interim payment to beneficiaries, such increased benefit to be announced not later than 31 March 1967, and to be effective from that date.  3. The allowable income for all beneficiaries will be increased.  4. Sickness benefits will be adjusted so that where both the husband and wife are employed and therefore contributing to the Social Security Fund, a single sickness benefit will be paid if either becomes ill. Where the applicant has been in fulltime employment for at least 12 months, the sickness benefit will be paid up to a maximum of three months.  5. The sickness benefit will be paid to a married man from the first day he is off work where the time lost is one week or more.  6. The age supplement payable to war veterans at age 65 will not be regarded as "other income" and will not therefore, affect the rate of pension.  9. The Social Security Act will be liberalised to enable the benefit to be paid to people who care for relatives in their own homes and thus avoid their having to be admitted to medical institutions.  10. The qualifying period of residence in New Zealand before applicants are eligible for the age benefit will be reduced from 20 years to 10 years.  11. Anyone receiving a war pension of 80 per cent or more will be entitled to a free first-class rail pass for himself and his wife. If he dies, his widow will continue to receive a free first-class rail pass.  12. Anyone receiving a war pension of less than 80 per cent will be entitled to a rail pass for himself and his life for first-class travel at second-class fares. If he dies, his widow will retain her rail pass.  13. Merchant navy men of the First World War may, at the discretion of the War Pensions Board, be granted a war veteran's allowance.  SHIPPING. No country in the world is as dependent as New Zealand on sea transport for its welfare. Our overseas trade is dependent on overseas shipowners, who combine to fix freight rates and other charges. These charges have a direct bearing on production costs and our ability to maintain and develop export markets. They are also an added drain on our overseas funds. LABOUR believes that New Zealand should not be entirely dependent on overseas interests for the means to impart and export.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. To augment the existing activities of producer boards and exporters a Labour Government will establish a New Zealand Shipping Corporation to service new or limited markets and to thoroughly investigate the whole question of sea transport which must be available to carry our produce at competitive freight rates.  2. The Corporation will be widely representative, and will charter small ships, preferably on the New Zealand Register, to develop and serve markets which are too small or isolated to attract the major shipping lines.  1. In conjunction with the Development Finance Corporation and the export guarantee insurance scheme, the Shipping Corporation will guarantee the initial cost of charter and will make good any losses.  2. The Corporation will be authorised to investigate the expansion of the charter service by the purchase of ships.  3. In arranging charters the Corporation will provide for the vessel to be manned by a New Zealand crew.  TAXATION. A LABOUR Government will introduce taxation concessions that reward those who save before seeking to invest in productive enterprise. This is part of a programme to reduce interest rates. Individual income taxpayers will be encouraged by parallel tax concessions to invest in development bonds. Personal exemptions for income tax assessment will be progressively adjusted, and estate duty provisions will be amended. As already announced, Labour will conduct an inquiry into taxation, and will widen the scope of the inquiry into local body rating. The wider aims of Labour's taxation policy may well take more than three years to attain, and priority will be given to measures which encourage production or remove disincentives.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. As already announced, a Labour Government will conduct a full enquiry into the tax structure. The scope of the inquiry will be widened to include the incidence of local body rating. This inquiry must go right into the basis of taxation, so that the completion and study of its findings will inevitably take some time. Labour will therefore not wait until its conclusion before dealing with urgent problems such as the removal of anomalies, the provision of really effective incentives, and overdue adjustments to income tax. The wider aims of Labour's taxation policy may well take more than three years to attain, and priority will be given to measures which encourage production or remove disincentives.  INDUSTRY AND FARMING  2. As indicated in the Industrial Development and Agriculture policies, the emphasis will be shifted from tax allowances on spending for development towards encouragement of the first significant step, that of saving to make this possible. Part of the profits before tax will be allowed as deductions, provided they are invested in special accounts and are later used for approved capital development. If they are used for other purposes they will earn interest for the term they were on deposit, but will be taxable at not more than the rates they would have incurred had they been taxed in the years they were earned.  3. Farm employees and sharemilkers will be able to use a parallel scheme to use money from current income for ultimate farm purchase. Full details are set out in the Farm investment policy.  INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAXPAYERS.  4. Individual income taxpayers will be encouraged, by tax concessions similar to those mentioned for industry and farming, to invest in development bonds. The bands will have a minimum term of five years without interest or ten years with interest at three per cent. Repayment of the bonds before maturity may be permitted in cases of genuine hardship or other special circumstances. Any individual will be able to make a maximum deposit from current income of $1,000 in any year under this scheme, and the maximum tax saving will not exceed 25 cents in the dollar.  5. In the light of rising productivity and the growth of real income Labour will adjust the present personal exemptions for income tax assessment, and will modify the graduated stops by which income tax rates now rise. The first aim will be to set the exemption for a single person at $20 per week and that for a married man with dependent wife at $30 per week.  ESTATE DUTIES.  6. Labour will amend estate duty provisions so that there will be a free transfer of an estate from the husband to his widow or prom a wife to a widower where the parties have been married for 10 years at the time the husband or wife dies.  TOURIST INDUSTRY. Despite the Government’s claims that they have encouraged and assisted the industry, tourism in New Zealand is not developing as quickly as it is in other countries. We are hot getting our share of the worldwide boom in tourism. LABOUR believes that one of the main reasons is that too many people and organisations are working against each other rather than together. A Labour Government will coordinate existing activities and encourage others. Greater research, the provision of more hotels, adequate promotion in the right countries, and better provision for New Zealanders themselves to see their own country will be key features of Labour's tourist policy.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. A Labour Government will pinpoint the needs and deficiencies of the tourist industry by carrying out urgent statistical studies and by holding discussions with interested parties here and overseas. The object will be to find out what is available, what is still required, and how it can best be provided.  2. Labour will appoint a Minister of Tourism to see that the industry gets the priority and drive it needs to develop.  3. In addition to the requirements disclosed by investigation, the following clear needs will be tackled:  a. more good class hotels in certain areas such as Wellington and Hawkes Bay.  b. authority for the Tourist Hotel Corporation to provide accommodation in settled as well as remote areas and for local authorities to provide suitable holiday amenities, including residential accommodation, in their areas.  c. coordinated services to simplify overseas enquiries for travel information and to arrange reliable forward bookings throughout the country.  d. regular passenger transport by sea to and from Australia and the South Pacific so that we can take advantage of the tourist potential in the area.  e. aid to small tourist centres which have a heavy influx of visitors during the holiday periods, so that they can cope with sewerage and water supply problems.  4. Tourist publicity will be increased, with special concentration on the countries in and bordering the Pacific area.  5. Although preference will be given to Air New Zealand other airlines serving New Zealand, or wishing to enter the New Zealand service and grant reciprocal rights to Air New Zealand, will be encouraged.  6. The reduction of airfares to and from New Zealand so that they are more in line with fares in other areas will be supported. The interchange ability of air and steamer bookings will be promoted.  7. Visits by cruise ships and package tours will be vigorously promoted, and hotels and other internal services will be developed so that group tours are adequately served. Itineraries for group tours will emphasise the attractions of both the North and South Islands.  8. Labour will continually keep in mind the fact that New Zealanders are tourists also. Holiday spots and interest and recreation areas will be made more easily available to New Zealanders, and the aim will be to make them more welcome as tourists in their own country.  TRADE PRACTISES AND PRICES. LABOUR believes that the Consumer is entitled to know that goods are being produced and marketed on a competitive market and are true to label. Existing legislation will be made more effective, and new legislation will be introduced, to ensure that good quality and fair trade practices are maintained.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. Trade Practices legislation will be made more effective, and the activities of the Consumer Council will be extended.  2. The Standards Ant will be reviewed to improve the standard of New Zealand products and to provide safeguards which will prevent interested parties setting the approved standard.  3. Legislation to ensure that labelling of consumer goods is informative and accurate will be introduced to protect the customer.  4. Labour accepts that producers and distributors are entitled to a fair margin of profit, but will act quickly against excessive prices.  5. Prompt and effective action will be taken against any exploitation of the consumer during the introduction of decimal currency.  6. Where, due to the absence of effective competition or for other reasons, prices of goods or services become unreasonably high, Labour will not hesitate to use price control.  7. Past experience has shown that often when an application for a wage adjustment is lodged with the Arbitration Court, prices of many commodities rise before a Court decision is given. This reduces the value of any wage increase subsequently granted, Labour is determined that this practice will cease and will use its price control powers, if necessary, in these instances. We are opposed to the unrestricted wielding of Government control, but we are equally opposed to the exploitation of the consumer by way of unrestricted price increases whenever a wage review is underway.  TRANSPORT AND CIVIL AVIATION. Thirty-five per cent of the national income, and 75 cents out of every $2 spent on consumer goods is expended on transport. LABOUR believes that there is an urgent need to coordinate and improve all aspects of the carriage of passengers and goods; reorganise and reequip internal air services to provide faster and more convenient flights; accelerate the development of air freighting of exports; and take positive steps to cheep the growing toll of deaths on the roads.  POLICY DETAILS. ROAD SAFETY.  1. A Labour Government will take every practicable step to combat the rising road toll.  2. Labour believes that the parliamentary Select Committee, set up at the suggestion of the Parliamentary Labour Party to consider ways of improving road safety, performed a most valuable function. A Labour Government will establish a permanent Parliamentary Committee which will work in conjunction with the Transport Department, local body traffic departments; and the Road Safety Council, to consider road safety measures and suggested additions and improvements.  3. The Committee will seek the cooperation of the National Roads Board and road users' organizations such as the motor unions, motor, motorcycle, and motor scooter clubs, road transport operators, the taxi and drivers' federations, and other industrial associations of drivers. They will be encouraged to submit road safety suggestions, cooperate in proving experiments, and organise road safety demonstrations.  4. More permanent enforcement officers will be recruited.  5. A Labour Government will also investigate the possibility of recruiting young car owners willing to train as traffic cadets for supplementary weekend traffic control work, and will try to arouse and channel the interests of young motorcyclists into socially useful pursuits.  TRANSPORT COUNCIL.  6. A Labour Government will establish a Transport Council to coordinate aid streamline transport services and reduce the inordinate cost of transport to the economy.  7. The Transport Council will investigate needless and uneconomic duplication of transport services, and will try to reverse the present trend towards monopolies in road transport which are menacing the small operator and taking control of this vital industry outside New Zealand.  8. The Council will be authorised to:  (a) study and recommend ways of coordinating and rationalising goods and passenger services by road, rail, sea and air.  (b) discuss with the National Roads Board measures to promote freer traffic movement and to clear clogged traffic routes.  (c) review internal freight rates to help develop areas where production is falling and population is declining.  (d) investigate the needs of particular industries and activities such as forestry, to ensure that they have satisfactory, integrated transport services.  (e) review existing preference in the transport of goods to protect the public's investment in the railways system and at the same time promote efficiency.  TRANSPORT LICENSING  9. The Transport licensing system will be speeded up and, made more efficient.  10. Taxi operators will be encouraged to give better service, but will be freed from the absolute liability provisions which were imposed on them last year.  11. The licensing and registration requirements governing farm tractors which use roads only to enable them to service various parts of the farm will be reviewed.  12. The exemption from licence fees for certain classes of vehicle used by local authorities will be restored.  BRIDGE AND TUNNEL TOLLS.  13. Labour is opposed to the principle of tolls on main highway facilities such as the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the Lyttelton Road Tunnel. Tolls will be phased out within five years, and tolls on public passenger buses and on all traffic between midnight and 7 a.m. will be abolished immediately. Full details are set out in the bridge and tunnel tolls policy.  CIVIL AVIATION.  14. Air freighting has already shown that it can play an important part in New Zealand's overseas trade. Labour will accelerate the development of air freighting to and from New Zealand. It believes that such a service should as far as is practicable be owned and controlled within New Zealand, although the expense of jumbo jet’s designed to haul maximum freight loads may make overseas participation desirable on essential.  15. The need for a complete overhaul of this Department of Government is obvious, not only to aircraft users, but to all who wish to see their local cities and centres efficiently and adequately served. This calls for properly appointed and equipped airfields and airport buildings with ancillary facilities becoming operational' as they are required, and an end to temporary expedients.  16. The sealing of secondary airfields to provide improved flight schedules will be completed.  17. The main passenger services within New Zealand will continue to operate under the National Airways Corporation.  18. The Corporation's re-equipment programme will be expedited to ensure early purchase and delivery of a Viscount replacement. The decision will take into account the following factors:  (a) the rapid growth of air travel and its undoubted future development.  b. freight carrying potential.  c. the use of secondary airfields.  d. integration with other aviation activity, including defence needs.  (c) The effect on our overseas trade position.  (d) the importance to New Zealand of the British market.  19. Air New Zealand will be encouraged to stimulate trade and tourism throughout the Pacific basin, and, in association with other airlines, preferably those from Commonwealth countries, provide convenient, regular, and frequent international schedules.  20. Aero clubs help to maintain a high level of flight training and build up a reserve of experienced aircrew. Their economic position will be reviewed, and sympathetic consideration will be given to resuming Government financial support.  21. More attention will be given to the coordination of civilian and military aviation. Where civilian aircraft are purchased for domestic or international use their availability and suitability for defence needs also will be carefully weighed. Conversely, the possibility of using military aircraft for commercial aviation will not be overlooked.  WELFARE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE. All aspects of social and physical welfare will be coordinated within a single Ministry. This will enable conflicts of interest to be eliminated and will ensure that this work is accorded an importance that it is unlikely to assume when it is incidental to a Government department's main purpose.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. A Labour Government will establish a Ministry of Welfare and Social Justice. The functions and duties of the new Ministry will include  (a) assistance in establishing homes for the aged.  (b) promotion of pensioner housing.  (c) provision for the care and nursing of the aged.  (d) encouragement of the provision and operation by voluntary organisations of elderly persons' clubs and social centres.  (e) fostering, through voluntary organisations, of community services such as laundry service and meals on wheels.  (f) hostels for young people.  (g) physical welfare and youth recreation.  (h) fostering, through voluntary organisations, of youth club work.  (i) assistance in the provision of short stay homes for intellectually handicapped children.  (j) child welfare work.  (k) encouragement of the introduction of short stay rest homes.  (1) home aid service.  (m) cooperation with aid encouragement of existing voluntary welfare organisations in their chosen work And in the maintenance of their present independent and voluntary character.  (n) the work now undertaken by the Minister for Women and Children. Such a Ministry could function very well under the authority of the Minister in Charge of Social Security.  ACCOMMODATION FOR THE AGED.  2. There is an urgent need for more accommodation for the aged. Religious and charitable organisations will be encouraged by generous Government subsidies to provide accommodation for the aged. The basis of the Government subsidy will be either:  (a) 90 per cent of the total cost, or  (b) 100 per cent of the cost of the building, in which case land and furniture will be the responsibility of the organisation.  PENSIONER HOUSING.  3. Urgent steps will be taken to accelerate the construction of pensioner housing. Special provision will be made to encourage families to care for their aged relatives. Where sufficient space is available on the section, the State Advances Corporation will provide removable living quarters adjacent to existing dwellings at a low rental.  CARE OF THE AGED AND INFIRM.  4. Care of the aged and infirm, both through official and voluntary organisations, will be fostered. The Social Security Act will be liberalised to enable a benefit to be paid to persons who care for relatives at home who would otherwise have to be admitted to medical institutions.  VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS.  5. The work of voluntary organisations will be fostered and the organisations will be encouraged to maintain their independence and voluntary character.  HOSTELS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.  6. Subsidies for the provision of hostels for young people will be continued.  PHYSICAL FITNESS.  7. A physical fitness campaign will be instituted. Assistance will be extended to encourage and develop existing youth organisations, recruit and train leaders, initiate new recreation activities, and build gymnasia in post primary schools for the use of scholars and those who have left school.  SHORT STAY HOMES FOR INTELLECTUALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.  8. Assistance in the provision of short stay homes for intellectually handicapped children will be continued.  SHORT STAY REST HOMES.  9. Assistance will be given to suitable voluntary organisations who are prepared to cooperate in establishing and operating short stay rest homes for mothers who have been under medical care.  RESEARCH.  10. To enable public policies to keep pace with changing circumstances, research into social problems will be encouraged.  WORKS. The Ministry of Works is the major Government agency responsible for the development and growth of New Zealand. During the current year the Department will spend almost $300 million on works and capital expenditure. . Sound programming and adequate long-term planning of the development programme are therefore vital. It is equally essential that the development organisation within the Ministry be strengthened to ensure efficient administration, accurate estimating, and efficient planning. The frustrations of the past few years, where work has been started and stopped, where programmes have been changed, where work has been started before adequate investigations have been completed and as a result the estimates proved inaccurate, have cost New Zealand dearly.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. LABOUR will therefore strengthen the administration of the Ministry of corks to meet the planning and construction needs of an expanding nation.  2. LABOUR will ensure that the Ministry is responsible for coordinating and extending the activities of the various works development groups throughout Government. It will be charged with coordinating and extending Government activity in national development and research. It will also encourage and develop generally the use of new and rapid methods of construction, and will standardise where possible the use of building materials and components in Government buildings. It will also act as a link with the construction industry to secure widespread dissemination of the most modern building and construction practices.  3. LABOUR will take steps to strengthen the technical staff of the Ministry. It will institute a drive to obtain overseas and in New Zealand additional professional engineers, architects and draughtsmen, so that the Ministry is adequately equipped to undertake more construction work in competition with private enterprise.  IRRIGATION.  4. Irrigation schemes will be promoted in areas where substantial increases in production are likely to result.  THE MANIOTOTO SCHEME.  5. LABOUR will arrange for farmers affected by the Maniototo Scheme to decide by poll whether they want the scheme to proceed or not. Before a poll is taken, full information will be made available so that an informed decision can be peached. If a majority of the farmers signify that they are in favour of the scheme, Labour will undertake to put it in hand.  ROADING.  6. LABOUR will continue the National Roads Board. The present National Roads Board revenue appears adequate to meet the roading requirements of the nation, but care must be taken to see that the taxpayers, money is not wasted. Labour will therefore strengthen the engineering services available to the Board through the Roading Division of the Ministry of Works, with particular attention being given to planning and traffic engineering.  AUCKLAND HARBOUR BRIDGE AND LYTTELTON ROAD TUNNEL  7. These are the only major toll links in the roading system of New Zealand. With the increased revenue now available to the National Roads Board through the additional 2c per gallon petrol tax transferred by the National Government, Labour believes that the Board can now gradually take over the responsibility of financing these two projects. It will therefore instruct the Board to phase out tolls over the next 5 years so that they become completely toll free.  SUBSIDY FOR WATER TREATMENT PLANTS TO LOCAL BODIES.  8. Labour instituted the subsidy system to local bodies for sewage treatment, and will establish a similar subsidy for the treatment of domestic water.  RAILWAYS.  9. LABOUR believes that the traffic problems of the rapidly developing Auckland urban area will continue until a coordinated bus and rail system is provided. Labour accepts in principle the de Leuw Cather report's recommendations for a rapid transit system, and on becoming the Government will discuss with the Auckland Regional Authority how an early start can be made on an acceptable system.  10. LABOUR believes that the electrification of the main trunk line from Wellington could be extended beyond the Present terminal at Paekakariki. A Labour Government will give early consideration to extending the electrification.  BUILDING PROGRAMME.  11. Restrictive building control through the building programmer will be lifted throughout the South Island and the central zone of the North Island, by a Labour Government.  12. As soon as it is economically and financially feasible, control will also be lifted from the remaining areas in the Auckland and Wellington Provinces.