This manifesto sets out a comprehensive, consistent and constructive programme. It lays down policy founded in the enduring principles of a united and determined Labour Party. It is a policy designed to bring about dynamic progress. It lays emphasis on the social advancement of the people because this is the prerequisite to economic betterment. The policy represents over-all objectives of the Labour Party. It will be implemented speedily and as rising GNP and increasing real wealth makes possible. There are no last minute additions. The entire Manifesto is the result of the widest possible consultation, investigation and intensive study. It is time for a new Government. For a Labour Government that will widen and improve the range of opportunities open to, New Zealanders and so stimulate a bold new thrust into the future.  Agriculture. LABOUR is deeply concerned about the continuing decline in rural population and the serious erosion in rural services and amenities. Labour's agricultural policy will mean increased production, a broader based firm economy, maximum profitability per acre and per unit of labour. In addition Labour's policies in, housing, health, education and transport have all been designed to bring to rural communities better facilities and amenities.  POLICY DETAILS. FARM FINANCE. Labour's farm finance policy will ensure  adequate capital for all purposes without encouraging speculation and inflation.  1. Labour will reconstitute the farm lending activities of the State Advances Corporation as a Rural Banking and Finance Corporation (R.B.F.C.).  2. The Corporation will draw on the present loan resources of the State and also on the funds made available through the new Tax incentive Schemes for savings, see Farm ownership Investment Accounts section.  3. The Rural Banking and Finance Corporation will undertake all the facets of farm finance and will maintain close liaison with the Marginal Lands Board.  FARM OWNERSHIP INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS. In view of the special difficulties that face farm workers and sharemilkers, the R.B.F.C. will be empowered to offer facilities for individual accounts to be held with the Corporation and known as Farm Ownership Investment Accounts. This scheme will:  1. be open to any bona fide farmer or farm worker who is actively engaged on the land but not owning his own farm.  2. allow those qualified to deposit in their account such proportion of their gross income derived from farming as they may be able to save for future farm purchase.  3. provide that such deposits shall be a deductible item for taxation purposes.  4. provide that if the money is withdrawn for any purpose other than farm purchase or other approved use, it will be subject to taxation at the rate prevailing at the time of withdrawal but will be credited with interest at the rate of 3%. Farm Ownership Investment Accounts may be continued for such period as the Corporation deems sufficient to accumulate adequate funds to finance the purchase of a farm. Depositors in R.B.F.C. investment accounts will be eligible for R.B.F.C. loans.  SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS. Labour guarantees that every competent farmer will be able to continue farming.  1. The R.B.F.C. will be charged with the responsibility of providing on a selective basis whatever assistance is necessary.  2. Desirable forms of increased and diversified production will be accorded most favourable financial encouragement.  3. Farmers who find their financial situation so difficult through circumstances not of their making that they face possible bankruptcy, will be able to sell their farms at a fair valuation to the R.B.F.C. Mortgages beyond that fair valuation will be assumed by the Corporation. The farmer will then be able to lease back his farm for a rent that will ensure profitability under reasonably efficient management. After 7 years the position will be reviewed with a view to restoring the freehold.  4. Other financial arrangements to assist in stabilising cost will also be introduced.  WOOL MARKETING. Labour welcomes the establishment of the Cooperative Wool Marketing Corporation and will facilitate its growth to optimum size and efficiency as an essential first step towards the establishment of a vertically integrated woollen industry, designed to maximise the New Zealand content of woollen manufactures distinctive in both design and quality as the finest in their field. This will involve substantial investment in processing plant, in wholesaling and retailing both in New Zealand and overseas.  FARM HOUSING. In many rural areas housing conditions for 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 b 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 and farm workers who qualify receive low interest loans.  (b) make funds available for the repair and renovation of existing farm homes.  (c) provide State rental houses for farm workers in suitable areas as a step towards recreating rural communities.  Subsidies: Existing subsidies on farm inputs will be maintained until Labour's policies have restored true profitability to a properly market oriented farming industry. But it must be emphasised that such subsidies are merely a palliative, and not a solution to the problem of farm economy.  FARM SETTLEMENT. 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 financial 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 4% interest.  (f) lending in certain cases 100% of the purchase price of farms with an option of flat or table mortgages to be reviewed after 7 years..  FARM TRAINING. To ensure maximum opportunity to qualify for land ballots under Labour's farm settlement scheme a nation-wide 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 Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs, the Department of Agriculture, the Education Department and employee organisations.  (b) regional committees drawn from similar groups.  (c) a roll of farmers in each region who are willing and qualified to accept trainees.  (d) a tutor organiser for each region, who will be appointed to the staff of one of university agricultural colleges.  (e) short residential courses at the agriculture institutes for trainees udder the scheme.  (f) certificates awarded on the completion of six year training period. The certification 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 of holders of approved academic agricultural qualifications to enter settlement ballots provided they have a minimum of two years practical farming experience  Co-operative works. Labour's policy will be to have all new fertiliser and freezing works co-operatively owners. Where any group of farmers is desirous establishing a co-operative processing plant diversify production, and feasibility studies indicate that such a project is desirable and economically viable, assistance will be provided.  DIVERSIFICATION. Labour will engage in an urgent programme of feasibility studies into a wide variety agricultural, pastoral and horticultural industry and local services and will provide assistance for any worthwhile projects to broaden the base farm production, processing and incomes.  IRRIGATION. Irrigation provides the best opportunity for increased flexibility of production that enable farmers to respond quickly to shifting market demands. New Zealand agriculture must become market oriented and irrigation can contribute markedly to such a change away from present production orientation.  1. Labour considers the use of the national water resources to be a national responsibility and will encourage the establishing new irrigation schemes and the upgrading existing schemes.  2. An immediate survey of irrigable areas will be undertaken and cost benefit studies instituted.  3. Labour will accept full responsibility for the capital cost of all new schemes including of farm borderdyking and the upgrading existing schemes. Payments will be on a graduated basis allow the farmer to meet his commitment from the increased production.  4. The present method of a water charge will apply as far as off farm costs are concerned to be phased in as production increased.  5. One-third of the on farm costs will be written off. The remaining two thirds will be re-couped on a land rate basis over 40 years at reasonable rates of interest.  6. The land rate will commence 4 years after the scheme is fully operational.  7. The entire development will be carried out by an upgraded irrigation Division of the Ministry of Works.  8. It is not intended to involve local authorities in the development of financing of irrigation schemes.  9. For spray irrigation plant, up to 100% loans at reasonable rates of interest with repayment of capital and interest to commence in the fourth year.  10. Expenditure under this heading will also be one of the approved uses of funds saved under the tax exemption scheme mentioned in the Taxation of this policy.  Arts and Culture. POLICY DETAILS.  1. The quality of life enjoyed by New Zealanders has not kept pace with material progress. Environmental development must have regard not only to such material factors as Town Planning and air and water pollution, but also to cultural advances, and these must be integrated and co-ordinated.  2. The support given to the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council will be continued, but cultural interests will not be confined to this channel. Labour will assist local government by grants for suitable projects, and encourage private individuals and enterprises to participate in approved cultural appeals by tax concessions. These benefits should aim at promoting both the performing and creative arts.  3. Greater Ministerial responsibility and more departmental assistance and advice will be given. The inspiration and skill of New Zealand painters, sculptors and craftsmen, wherever possible, should be incorporated in public buildings and exhibited in New Zealand offices abroad.  4. To allow cultural exchanges to be freely made and to enable the public collections of the nation to develop, Labour will remove the restrictions at present imposed on the importation of educational, scientific and cultural materials by public institutions.  5. Recognising the contribution made to our cultural life by New Zealand authors, the Labour Government will establish a fund for the payment of a public lending right. The implementation of this scheme will be detailed after discussions with PEN, the Library Association, and other interested parties.  6. A Labour Government will vigorously promote New Zealand 'culture abroad, through exhibition exchanges, participation in international exhibitions, concert tours, publications and exchange schemes, for individual artists, composers, writers, sportsmen and so on, particularly with those in Pacific, Asian and American countries.  Broadcasting  LABOUR favours the present principle of public ownership of the facilities of Broadcasting and Television. The main object of that policy is to provide the best, most independent, and enterprising television, and radio that can be provided. A further objective will be to provide the highest possible New Zealand content in both broadcast programmes and capital equipment.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. Corporation control of the facilities of both radio and television is considered in the best public interest and will be supported without infringing the freedom of existing licenceholders.  2. The N.Z.B.C. will provide a nation-wide radio and television coverage of both a commercial and non-commercial character. Its responsibility will include the preparation of programmes on education, the arts, consumer interests, sports, public affairs, and news, in addition to general programme material.  3. The establishment of the second television channel will proceed with expedition. This channel will have a colour capability.  4. Responsibility for the provision of all technical facilities for television in, New Zealand will rest with the N.Z.B.C. but regional councils will be given a measure of local control. These councils will be charged with providing adequate local content and with determining leasing arrangements for a designated viewing period. Such arrangements will involve some competitive tendering for both programme and advertising time.  5. The N.Z.B.C. will be required to ensure that the sound broadcasting system makes adequate provision for programmes of popular interest to young people. The regional councils will be similarly charged in the field of television.  6. A television education system with the widest possible application will be instituted. Emphasis will be placed on training in television techniques so that advantage can be taken of the latest overseas development in educational television. The concept of a "University, of the Air" will be promoted.  7. The Broadcasting Authority will be restructured and charged with the independent oversight of programme standards. It will also form an appeal authority empowered to, receive and act on complaints lodged by the public.  8. Within technical limitations, complete Tv coverage of the country will be given a high priority.  Constitutional. The LABOUR PARTY believes in equal rights, equal opportunities and equal responsibilities. We will ensure that all groups of our multi cultural, multi racial society are encouraged to go forward together. It is our aim to restore a socially just and economically secure basis of family life, promote a closer liaison between Parliament and the people and fashion a more exciting future together. Greater involvement in local government and local decisions will be fostered and promoted by central government. The principles of democracy will be extended to reach all sections of society and will embrace all ages.  POLICY DETAILS  1. A. Labour Government will introduce legislation to lower the voting age to eighteen.  2. A Labour Government will amend the Electoral Act to ensure that the South Island has a minimum of 26 electorates. This number will be progressively increased until the total representation in Parliament reaches 100 members.  3. The Labour Party recognises that the present size of Parliament inhibits the Select Committee system and restricts the availability of Cabinet Ministers to reach and service the people and Parliament through the Committee system. A Labour Government will sweep aside some of the anachronistic customs of Parliament, call, Parliament together in the second week of February each year and divide each Session into two main parts. The Rat and longest recess would be utilised for a period of intensive Select Committee work. Further working recesses in the second part of the Session will be arranged as necessary. Such a spread of work would do much to eliminate the pressures that build up towards the end of Sessions and also enable more careful consideration of legislation.  4. More of Parliament's Select Committee meetings will be opened to the public and the news media and the public will be encouraged to attend. Select Committees will travel to the people and meet the people.  5. There will be a further review of Standing, Orders of Parliament to secure more efficiency in the conduct of the business of Parliament and an enlightened approach to the way in which members are expected to take part in the affairs of Parliament. Modern office techniques will be introduced to provide an out of hours service for members, but the emphasis will be to carry all the tasks and duties of a member within more reasonable hours than enjoyed at present.  6. Labour will examine the feasibility of establishing a Council of Parliament as as a means of increasing the effectiveness of Parliament and widening the avenues whereby the citizens can represent their views directly to Parliament.  7. The older Acts of Parliament will be reviewed to ensure that out-moded laws can be repealed and where desirable suitable amendments to other laws. The purpose would be to ensure that the rights and needs of the individual and the changing aspirations of the community are not inhibited.  8. A Labour Government will encourage and support the development of Regional Government. This is an important reform that offers a means of rationalising local government and local works and can provide a balance to unicameral Parliament. It is planned to strengthen local government by delegating to it some of the functions of central government. Central government will promote and encourage a greater interest and awareness of local government through adult education courses.  9. The jurisdiction of the Ombudsman will be extended to all local bodies.  10. A Labour Government will consult with the Maori people with a view to amending the Electoral Act to make it possible for Maoris to enrol subject to residential qualifications on the electoral roll of their choice.  11. A Labour Government will establish by legislation the right of the individual to privacy. The privacy of the individual has been, eroded over a wide area and sensible legislative steps will be taken to reasonably protect the individual. Specific legislation will be introduced to safeguard the individual's right in so far as they may be affected by the use of computer based files.  Defence. Whilst LABOURS policy is to work for peaceful solutions, problems in this imperfect world we will maintain the means self defence.  POLICY DETAILS.  1 . A Labour Government will take every practical step to protect 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 consistent with the United Nations Charter.  MANNING  3. Labour's proposals for the Defence Forces are that they will be manned by regular volunteer career servicemen, with provision where applicable for an element of volunteer territorials.  4. Conscription. Labour is opposed to peacetime conscription. Compulsory military training will be abolished.  DEFENCE FORCES  5. The regular element of Army, Navy and Air Force will be:  (a) Properly equipped, highly trained and capable of maximum mobility.  (b) Capable of fulfilling our obligations and responsibilities as a member of the United Nations.  (c) Used on a basis which is mutually acceptable to provide constructive assistance with social and economic problems in the South Pacific and South East Asia.  6. The Territorial defence forces will be organised:  (a) On a volunteer basis.  (b) Properly equipped, thoroughly trained and capable of rapid mobilisation.  (c) Fully integrated into the national defence system.  (d) The civilian employment position of the Territorial servicemen will be fully protected.  CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.  7. Housing. An uninterrupted programme to meet married servicemen’s housing requirements will start in 1973. A similar approach will be employed for single quarters accommodation.  PAY, PROMOTION AND POSTINGS. Pay and allowances will be adjusted to give recognition to the responsibilities involved to order to retain in the Service trained personnel for longer periods. This will avoid the considerable economic wastage from the to early retirement of highly trained manpower. Careful consideration will be given to needs of families of servicemen when postings are involved. Income tax on servicemen and associated civilians and medical services will cease whilst they are engaged in a combat area.  LEAVE. Leave conditions will be: For all service up to 10 years, annual lea will be extended to be not less than days per annum; After 10 years, 28 days per annum, and After 20 years, 35 days per annum.  CIVILIAN RE-ESTABLISHMENT.  - Steps will be taken to give proper recognition to trades and skills learned in the Service.  - Realistic end of service re-establishment grants.  - There will be no time limit on eligibility for rehabilitation assistance.  - Where possible pre-retirement postings will be to an area as close as possible to the community selected by the serviceman.  - The superannuation system will be modernised to more rapidly cope with increases of the cost of living.  SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL. Ex Service organisations and representatives of service personnel of all ranks and services will be consulted in the establishing of a wide representative council to advise Government matters concerning conditions of service, civilian re-establishment and superannuation matters.  DEFENCE CONTRACTS. Wherever possible defence contracts will let to New Zealand industry.  Earthquake and War Damage.  The operation of the Earthquake and War damage act will be reviewed to ensure:  1. That adequate and fair coverage is extended to cover equitably storm damage to insured property.  2. That where an insured party lodges more than one claim which can be directly related to a common initial cause (e.g. case earthquake followed by after shock) only one franchise will be paid.  3. That the exclusion of any insured property from cover must be advised before the premium is accepted.  4. That when people effect an insurance coverage the company concerned will, by law, be required to specify their exact degree of protection under Earthquake and War Damage.  LABOUR accepts that the aim of education is to create the conditions in which inequalities arising from wealth, race, sex or place of residence are eliminated from New Zealand society. A system is thus provided which places the highest value on the fullest intellectual, emotional, social and physical development of all; the development of community values and self respect; and democratic organisations in which all concerned share responsibilities.  EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION. All children should have the opportunity for early school education. At present voluntary organisations with some Government assistance provide for approximately 309i of pre-school children. The majority are neglected, particularly when parents are educationally or financially deprived. The State must perform the task which the voluntary organisations cannot. Development will be encouraged in full co-operation with voluntary organisations. Provision for these centres will be made when needed in all new major housing developments. Buildings will be made available at a modest rental to voluntary pre-school organisations and expanded grants and loans provided for equipment. The education of pre-school teachers, supervisors and parents will be radically expanded. Refresher courses will be encouraged and special emphasis placed on programmes involving parents. Adequate remuneration will be offered to all full-time e pre-school teachers or supervisors. Attention will be given to the early implementation of those more urgent recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry into pre-school Education (Hill Report) which best ensure the extension of pre-school education in those areas where the need is greatest.  CHILDCARE CENTRES. The Departments of Social Welfare and Education will be required to co-operate in the development of day-care centre schemes for the children of working parents. When establishing day-care centres, special consideration will be given to  1. The importance of the educational and developmental environment.  2. The need for involvement of employers and unions.  3. Easy accessibility by parents during the working day.  4. The needs for after school and school vacation care of school children.  THE SCHOOL SYSTEM. All schooling should be a process of general education from the early years of childhood through to school-leaving. Its aim should be to provide a broad, liberal education which encourages all to be adaptable and flexible in their thinking and in developing their capabilities.  1. Because of the need to give equality of opportunity, a Labour Government will implement the recommendations of, the 1962 Currie Report in relation to teacher/ student ratios of a maximum of 1:20 in sixth and seventh forms and 1:30 in third to fifth forms. In addition, it will implement a ratio of 1:20 in infant classes and aim for 1:30 in all other primary and intermediate school classes.  2. Labour will accelerate the replacement of "prefabs" with good quality mobile classrooms and build halls or flexible specialised rooms where these are warranted.  3. A Labour Government will examine the whole structure of educational administration and decentralisation, with a view to improving co-ordination of educational policies and administration within each district. In the meantime, it will provide for teacher and student representation on controlling bodies  4. Labour will provide opportunities for all children to gain an appreciation of, and to participate in, Maori and other Polynesian languages and cultures.  5. A Labour Government will make use of television and audio-visual aids to supplement the work of teachers. "Closed circuit" television will be experimented with in selected schools and teachers trained in television techniques  6. Labour will also make a concentrated drive to bring all country schools up to standard by providing incentives for staff and improving equipment and buildings.  The following steps will be taken: Education Boards will be given discretionary powers to authorise more flexible school bus routes and improved private transport allowances. More hostel accommodation will be provided. Boarding allowances will be increased. Where it is in the interests of good education, Form I-VII and area schools will be provided.  7. Counselling, psychological and support, services will be integrated at all levels and expanded so as to ensure that every student shall have ready access to all these services.  8. Vocational Guidance and Careers Advisory Services will be re-formed and enlarged so that they can give continuing realistic and comprehensive advice and experience to all students.  9. Increasing emphasis will be placed on the role of schools in the community and encouragement will be given to involving pupils in community work. Similarly, schools will make more use of individuals from outside the school for special services and programmes.  10. Attention will be given to promoting the use of all educational facilities as community and youth centres for study, recreation and cultural pursuits.  11. There should be a smooth transition from pre-school to the primary school, with the intimate atmosphere of the pre-school continued in the infant classes. The number of pupils in such classes should not exceed for each teacher.  12. The present primary, intermediate secondary systems will be developed to come an educational continuum with children moving from one administrative structure to another rather than moving from style of education to another.  13. The intermediate school has provided an important bridging role between primary and secondary schools; its role will be examined in the light of developments both the primary and secondary schools.  14. Labour's aim is for all to have full-time education until at least 16 years. However, provision will be made to vary this object with the agreement of all concerned.  15. Promotion opportunities will be created good teachers who would rather continue active teaching than assume top administrative duties.  16. A scheme will be instituted for the period retraining of teachers (i.e., study leave full pay).  INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS. Children attending independent schools do because their parents exercise what is an entire proper and free choice. This right must be preserved, but the welfare of the child is of paramount consideration. It is clear that because some parents do exercise this free choice, the general taxpayer is saved a considerable sum of money.  1. Any assistance given to independent schools will not be made at the expense of the State school system.  2. Independent schools that wish to integrate themselves into the State system will assisted to do so. Salaries and conditions to any teachers at these schools will be safeguarded.  3. The most important problem facing all schools whether independent or State, is a reduction in class sizes and improved conditions teachers. To this end payment will be made in respect of certificated teachers in independent schools at a rate equal to one-half of the rate payable to a certificated teacher in a comparable position in a State school. Positions of responsibility will be allowed on the same basis as in a State school.  4. Only those schools which have comparable standards, facilities, conditions of service a teachers salaries or who are below State schools in these provisions and will move upgrade them to match those in State schools, will be entitled to receive this assistance.  5. Existing aid to independent schools will be continued at present levels.  6. A conference of all parties concerned, political as well as education will be called to determine a fair and just solution to this problem.  CONTINUING EDUCATION. A Labour Government will ensure the availability to all New Zealanders of forms of continuing education at community Colleges, Universities and allied institutions according to the requirements and background of the students. All students completing a general education at secondary school will be considered eligible for entrance to tertiary levels at present institutions such as Teachers Colleges, Technical Institutes or Universities, and also to the proposed Community Colleges.  1. Community colleges will be established to increase the availability of continuing education, especially in provincial centres. Their form and functions will depend on the particular requirements of the local community.  1 In some cases Community Colleges will result from the extension and development of present Technical Institutes.  3. A Labour Government will ease movement of students between institutions such as Universities, Technical Institutes, Teachers' Colleges and proposed Community Colleges.  4. A standard bursary system will be developed for all students in continuing education institutions to provide adequate living allowances, taking into account the length and cost of particular courses. The special needs of married students will be recognised.  5. Assistance will be extended to encourage part-time students who do not receive sufficient benefits from the present bursary system. Universities will be encouraged to make available a wider range of subjects to those working for a degree extramurally and to afford. greater opportunities to them to complete their degrees at University.  6. Building programmes for continuing education will be accelerated to meet the rapid expansion of student numbers to ensure that qualified students will not be denied entry because of lack of room. Limitations on entry to classes will be reviewed.  7. In anticipation of major and important reforms in continuing education, a Labour Government will work to provide reasonable residential accommodation for all tertiary educational institutions.  8. Consideration will be given to the provision of residential centres for continuing education, paying particular attention to the need for facilities of this kind for special groups willing to engage in a broad range of studies, such as management and industrial relations.  9. Staff salaries will be kept under regular review.  10. A Labour Government will make available, in increasing amounts, money to support research projects at our universities, to meet the cost of sophisticated equipment, and to extend the boundaries of knowledge.  11. Labour will promote the development of courses for trained personnel to assist in such fields as medicine, social welfare and vocational guidance.  12. Attention will be given to the imaginative development of training and retraining of the workforce, especially in areas of redundancy and where changing patterns of production demand a change or upgrading of skills.  13. Labour places great faith in encouraging people to increase their knowledge and opportunities through their own initiative. Adult education classes will be increased to meet the demand, and attendance fees will be reduced to a level which will encourage greater participation. Because of the rapid advance in knowledge, and the equally rapid developments in social change, the task of education has become and will continue to be more complex and challenging. In order to take account of this and also generally to provide opportunities for all interested in education to assist progress, Labour will call an educational development conference as soon as practicable after becoming the Government and invitations will be extended to overseas experts from a wide range of countries.  Environmental. LABOUR recognises the right of every New Zealander to live wholesome surroundings. Nobody has the right to pollute. The LABOUR PARTY accepts a moral responsibility towards future generations and will immediately initiate studies and planning the optimum long-term development of New Zealand consistent with the preservation of a good environment.  ADMINISTRATION. The Number of Environment in a Labour Government will be given the resources and power to carry out the following functions:  (a) To provide a social and physical environment audit on all major projects before approval is granted.  (b) To advise on the measures necessary to preserve the natural purity of our air, land and water.  (c) To advise on the steps necessary to preserve for all present and future New Zealanders the right to reasonable ready access to the nation's scenic beauty and wildlife. All environmental legislation will bind the Crown.  POPULATION. Labour will initiate research into the relationships between the size and rate of growth of population, the use of our environment resources, and maintenance and improvement of the quality of life.  LAND. Labour will:  1. Preserve the integrity of the country's National Parks in the nation's interest.  2. Appoint Regional Guardians to fully protect reserves, parks, domains, and other similar community owned open spaces held for the benefit, recreation and enjoyment of the public from the detrimental effects of local works.  3. Increase the allocation of Government funds for the purchase or repurchase of land for scenic and recreational reserves and for access to our rivers, lakes and sea shore.  4. Safeguard the New Zealanders' traditional rights of free and reasonable access to both recreational and scenic land and to wildlife. A Labour Government will ensure that these rights are not eroded by purchase or through exclusive rights granted to commercial interests.  5. Encourage public education in ecological matters by the use of news media and education system.  6. Because damage to the shore line of Lake Manapouri resulting from abnormally low levels justifies the Labour Party's opposition to operating Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau beyond their normal range of levels, issue instructions to the Electricity Department ensure that variations in the levels of the two lakes do not fluctuate beyond the normal.  7. Take legislative steps to preserve Lake Wanaka in perpetuity for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. This legislation will prohibit the construction of any form of control works that would alter the natural range of levels of the lake.  8. Because of the unsightly environmental damage that has resulted from poorly plant and badly executed works involving lakes, undertake an immediate review of all such proposals.  9. Ensure that renewable natural resources are subjected to ecologically sound and sustain yield management, so that use of the resource does not cause major ecological disturbance and does not exhaust stocks, thus denying future generations use of it.  10. Institute a thorough study of lands in the area of the proposed beech forest utilisation schemes to plot areas other than indigence forests that can be planted in exotics.  INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES. A Labour Government will:  1. Initiate and seek co-operation on a regional basis for the protection of the South Pacific environment and vigorously oppose the continuation of nuclear testing.  2. Give additional long-term protection to fishing resources including the extension of territorial water.  RECREATION AND SPORT  1. Labour will establish a Ministry of Recreation and Sport responsible for the promotion of physical and mental health, and the encouragement of a more meaningful use of leisure for all New Zealanders. The work of voluntary organisations will be fostered and they will be encouraged to maintain their independence and character. The ministry's functions will include:  (a) The encouragement, fostering, promotion and development of physical fitness, sport and recreation in New Zealand.  (b) The allocation of sufficient funds to carry out these functions.  (c) Making recommendations to the Minister of Tourism on the need for accommodation as an adjunct to recreational facilities.  (d) Providing assistance to any organisation offering greater opportunities for New Zealanders to enjoy the natural beauty of our nation, including the provision of nature appreciation residential camps.  (e) co-ordination of activity under the policy of Social Welfare, and Arts and Culture.  Labour will undertake measures that will offer every New Zealander, irrespective of age or wealth, the opportunity of an annual holiday in natural surroundings.  POLLUTION. Labour recognises the right of every New Zealander to live in wholesome surroundings.  1. Labour will ensure steps are taken to prevent and avoid all pollution.  2. Government departments will give greater assistance in the application of technology to combating all forms of pollution.  3. Labour will continuously campaign for the adoption of international agreements to reduce worldwide pollution.  4. The need to change our present economic system from one based on a high degree of use of raw materials to one that recycles resources whenever possible is recognised. To this end, industries that can recycle or utilise waste products, such as paper, shall be encouraged.  5. Local authorities will be provided with financial assistance to enable them to bring sewerage schemes up to the highest standards.  6. Research will be carried out in the development, of economic ways of utilising all domestic and industrial refuse.  7. Standards for the packaging and labelling of goods and the use of returnable containers will be set.  Finance and taxation. LABOURS purpose is to ensure a steady rate of economic growth  within a framework of full employment. Because we must also resist inflationary tendencies, incentives for savings that make development possible have a greater meaning now than ever before.  INTRODUCTION. It is the monetary policy of the Labour Party to preserve steady price levels and stable money values. The Reserve Bank Act will be amended to effectively charge the Directors of the Reserve Bank with the responsibility of ensuring that the Government's monetary policy is given effect to and carried out and to ensure that the goal of stable money values and stable prices is achieved. The Reserve Bank shall have overall control of the State's sole prerogative to issue currency and monetary credit. To this end trading banks will be required to borrow monetary credit from it. In present circumstances Labour will use the creation of credit through the Reserve Bank to stimulate growth and speed up recovery from the recessions that have been a feature of the last five years. Our objective is the expansion of production and the better distribution of goods and services. This expansion will in general require more credit and currency. Credit creation and the expansion of real wealth in terms of goods and services go hand in hand. In an expanding but stable economy a proper balance must be kept between the money supply and goods and services available. The Reserve Bank will reassure a leading role both in managing the economy and in determining the total level of credit available. Overseas influences will be permitted only in so far as they make available extra resources that New Zealand would not otherwise obtain. At the present time private institutions decide between the competing claims for credit. They influence its cost and the way it is made available. Some of their activities are detrimental to the economy. Others will continue to be useful in future, but policy decisions on credit will come from one authority only, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. It alone is in a position to gather information on world trends and take a wide objective view of the heeds of the New Zealand situation. Taxation policy will both encourage worthwhile productive effort and reward those who save out of income in order to invest. These incentives will be directed to the increase of production with a constant regard for market possibilities in the export field. At all times a major aim of this policy will be to ensure that effect control of the developing economy remains within New Zealand. Reciprocal trade that increases imports and stimulates domestic production as exports are expanded will ear more revenue. The export expansion that increases local incomes so that Government requirements can be collected from a wider base will allow adjustments in personal exemptions on income tax. Those on lower comes and all who, contribute materially to advancement of the economy will directly benefit.  CREDIT POLICY DETAILS  1. The Reserve Bank will be the central authority in the New Zealand economy. All other financial institutions will maintain the roles in the normal banking and exchange business except where this now involves alterations in the level and cost of credit. In that area they will be legally obliged follow the general policies of the Reserve Bank. The Governor of the Reserve Bank will have clear authority to regulate all credit activities and all action in regard to the taking of deposits from the public. The Reserve Bank Act will make this absolute clear and, will ensure also that the Government acts on instructions from the Government conveyed to him by the Minister of Finance.  2. The Labour Party is committed to effect long-term indicative economic planning.  3. The community's credit and other resources will be used to re-establish a permanent employment policy. Lack of finance will not be allowed to hold back any project essential in the public interest for which there are idle resources available.  4. As the only trading bank wholly owned in this country, the Bank of New Zealand will be required to take a leading and more competitive role in operating the financial system.  SAVINGS, BORROWING, CREDIT AND INVESTMENT.  1. the investment programme will be based on the revenue from current taxation, the savings of the people, and some new credit. The private sector will receive consideration in obtaining a share of the funds available for investment. Government, advised by the Reserve Bank, Treasury and the National Development Council, will continually review the proportions of the three components, current revenue, savings, and new credit, that go into investment.  2. Consistent with the need for a sound economy, the State will create and use credit at the cost of issue for development.  3. Interest rates will not be the sole attraction for savings, because nigh interest rates push up the cost of investment. There will be inducements for individuals and companies, as set out in the section on Taxation, to set aside a proportion of current income for future investment without those savings becoming liable to tax while they are held or when they are spent on approved development.  4. There will be one money transfer system owned and operated for the people of New Zealand. This will be achieved by expanding the present system to secure the active participation of the Post Office Savings Bank and the trustee savings banks.  5. In the light of the above proposals, the Labour Government will consider ways in which the Post Office Savings Bank and the trustee savings banks can extend the services they provide.  6. The tax on interest earned on personal accounts in the Post Office and trustee savings banks will be completely removed. Labour will work to reduce interest rates on loans.  7. As a step in this direction, established banks will be permitted to extend activities in the field of personal loans. This will reduce interest charges to credit-worthy borrowers who have a savings account and will enable them to buy the normal range of consumer durable goods without recourse to hire purchase or financial institutions with their high interest rates.  8. The programme of overseas borrowing will be directly related to the stability and development plan for New Zealand's primary and secondary industry. We will minimise borrowing that is to finance current consumption, but, in face of the threatened consequences of British membership of the E.E.C. upon current New Zealand trade, we must retain access to adequate funds and reserves. The Labour Government's acceptance from the I.M.F. at any time will be conditional on retaining independence of choice, and in no circumstances will the I.M.F. or any other organisation be allowed to dictate internal policy.  9. Industrial development would be slower if we relied solely on local savings and export income. There will be a moderate programme of overseas borrowing on a long-term basis to finance investment that expands exports and achieves import substitution. There will be regular provision for the retirement of overseas loans and much more attention to avoiding the coincidence of maturity dates. In buoyant times more of our earnings will be set aside for loan redemption and for overseas reserves.  14. To preserve independence, Labour will resist outside interference with domestic credit policies and industrialisation. Unemployment is not acceptable as an economic regulator, even in the short term. Credit and import policies will substitute for it.  15. Overseas capital, preferably in the form of debentures, will be sought for selected industrial development. An expanded Industrial Development Finance Corporation will channel such funds into suitable investments. The Corporation will do most of its fundraising on the local market and use the proceeds of company savings stimulated by the tax concessions, as set out below, as a substantial source. The Corporation will also be able to borrow directly overseas.  16. Because the aim is to retain New Zealand control over development, all proposals which involve the investment of capital controlled by non-residents, whether in new enterprises, in land, or for the purchase of existing concerns, will be scrutinised by a special new Commission to be called the Monopolies Commission. Internally, directed take-over bids will be subject to the same authority. This Commission will consist of five members appointed by the Governor General. There will be a right of appeal to the Administrative Division of the Supreme Court against its decisions. It will be instructed to oppose monopolies unless they are clearly shown to be in the public interest, and to prevent any investment that has as its main or substantial purpose the transfer of profits previously payable within New Zealand to overseas investors. As a preliminary to its work, it will make an immediate assessment of the extent of foreign ownership and control of land, industry, and other resources in New Zealand. This will become a public record and be used to gauge the present extent of this control and to form a base from which the economy can move back to greater New Zealand control.  TAXATION. Where is the Money coming from? There will be four main sources of the money that the Labour Government would use for its expanded programme:  From Natural Growth of the Economy  1. Labour will be able to rely on this, as National has done. Even while some tax rates were reduced, total tax revenue rose by $262 million in the one year 1971-72, and by $648 in the three years 1969 to 1972.  From Loan Finance  2. Labour will use the savings made in the tax incentive schemes to provide for housing and the growth of farm and individual output. Lower revenue from taxation, will be more than balanced by the greater loan funds made available through these schemes.  From Induced Growth  3. This investment will produce substantial growth in future years. This will provide expanded tax revenues even while basic rates of tax are being reduced.  From a Review of Government Spending Priorities.  4. There will be an immediate review of these priorities, waste will be curbed, and some programmes eliminated. Taxation on the lower and middle-income groups has increased as a proportion of total taxation in the last term of the National Government. It is the objective of Labour policy to reduce rates for these groups as a reward to them for their contribution to the economy. The Labour Party will use tax and credit policies to expand and stabilise the New Zealand economy. Contrived changes in the employment level to modify the demand for imports will be abandoned.  Taxation and Saving Incentives.  5. Because human labour is the main source of wealth, tax policy will be designed to reduce disincentives for all who work. Concessions will aim at encouraging greater productive effort. In addition, to make capital investment possible, a programme of tax incentive is to encourage savings that find their way into approved investment will also be introduced. Present levels of direct taxation on income are a disincentive to greater effort at many points in the economy. Labour's proposed changes will apply through the whole range of incomes. The main proposals for reducing direct taxation centre on the levels of personal exemptions and in the concessions to be made, for savings from current income. This scheme will parallel the present exemption in relation to premiums paid on life insurance policies and contributions to superannuation funds. Broadly, the taxpayer, whether an individual or a company, will initially be able to contribute $1000 or 10% of his income, which ever is the greater, directly into approved accounts with savings institutions. The deductions will not incur current income so long as they remain in the savings will nor will they earn interest. They will available for spending on such projects as housing (purchase or improvement), farm chase or development, and the expansion business, and will again incur no taxation to this point. If, however, they are withdrawn with another purpose, tax will be changed at the rate current when the savings were made, though the tax-free interest will allowed at the ruling savings bank rates the full time that the savings have been held. This scheme will enable individuals companies to accumulate funds for investment more quickly. The benefit to the individual will be greater in combination with other factors. A good savings record under scheme will assist the individual seeking personal loan from his savings institution he wishes to avoid time payment terms on purchase of household goods under the system of personal loans mentioned in the section on Finance. He will also have a direct entitlement to a low interest housing loan irrespective of his current income, the amount of which will be directly related to his savings. The advantages to the State and community from this system are many. The volume of money available for invest will increase at a greater rate than the tax revenue will be reduced by the scheme. This will stimulate productive investment and provide a wider tax base for the future. The cost of investment will be reduced because the funds do not attract interest while held and the total can therefore be lent cheaply than if high interest had been used to attract them in the first place. There will be a strong stabilising influence in the scheme and even the complete spending of the funds made available will have no inflation effect, because it represents simply the transfer of savings and hence of a claim to to goods or to services on the part of the original owner of the funds. The immediate cost to the State of productive investment will also be reduced by the greater availability of these loan funds and the consequent reduced need to use revenue as a source for them.  PRODUCTION INCENTIVES. Labour will introduce production incentive to wage and salary earners:  A. Tax on Overtime. The maximum rate of tax on overtime earnings of any wage or salary earner shall not exceed the highest rate payable on the income earned on the basic working week at ordinary rates of pay. This rebate will only apply to earnings from hours actually worked in excess of the basic working week in the same job.  B. Tax Deduction- Shift Workers. Many industries use expensive plant and equipment which is worked only one eight hour shift for, say, a total of 40 hours a week, This means that the whole overhead of that industry has to be borne by output of one shift or on 40 hours of operating time per week. If such plant could be operated for longer periods, overhead costs could be spread over a greater volume of production, thus reducing the cost of production and the price of goods. If these goods are destined for export markets, lower costs of production would make them more competitive and help New Zealand earn more overseas funds. Better results would be achieved if such plants could be operated more continuously. This form of production, involving a multi-shift basis of work, including rotational shift work, can have social disadvantages for those who work at nights, on weekends, and so on. To compensate such employees and to offer an incentive to those who elect to work shifts, it is proposed, as a first step, to grant a tax rebate equal to 10% of the total income tax liability incurred by the individual. In the light of experience of the operations of this, production incentives for wage earners in other categories, where such incentives are likely to contribute to industrial efficiency and productivity, will be explored.  C. Secondary Tax. The present system of taxing secondary income acts, in many cases, as a disincentive to extra effort. Therefore, individuals undertaking secondary employment will, on application, be permitted to become annual taxpayers in respect to their secondary earnings.  D. Payroll Tax. Payroll tax will be abolished.  Fishing industry. There is an undoubted abundance of fish, in the sea around New  Zealand but LABOUR believes that insufficient emphasis and effort is being made to turn this to advantage. An urgent need exists for the assessment of resources, utilisation and the promotion of improved marketing methods.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. A Labour Government will ensure the adequate supply of fish for the New Zealand people at reasonable prices.  2. In accepting the need to expand and foster exports, Labour will strengthen the Fisheries Division to co-ordinate and assist the speedy expansion of all sections of the fishing industry.  3. Labour will continue assistance to the Fishing Industry Board and will extend its powers and membership.  4. The Board will be required to foster co-operative enterprise through all stages of harvesting, processing and marketing.  5. An extensive research programme covering marine life, conservation, harvesting, equipment, processing, packaging and marketing will be undertaken.  6. The vast potential for development in pelagic fishing will require early attention and action. Financial assistance for personnel training, and appropriate fishing vessels will be available.  7. Where necessary, consideration will be given to the off shore ship processing of pelagic fish as well as the encouragement of overseas fishing interests to process their catches on our vessels or New Zealand based factories  8. Marine and fresh water fish farming will be encouraged by technical and financial assistance. A Labour Government will not permit commercial trout farming in New Zealand. A pilot scheme on the Chatham Islands will be considered.  9. A review of regulations governing shellfish and other limited species of fish will be undertaken to ensure conservation and the preservation of a continuing supply for the New Zealand people.  10. New Zealand fishing grounds will be protected and all laws, national and international will be enforced. A Labour Government will also work towards acquiring international recognition of a 200-mile territorial fishing zone.  Foreign Investment. The major purpose of New Zealand’s policy on foreign investment should be to permit all reasonable and necessary development of the country’s resources while preserving to New Zealanders the enjoyment and control of those resources.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. Under a Labour Government foreign investment in New Zealand will be strictly supervised.  2. In assessing whether or not foreign investment is to be permitted, the first consideration will be the type and quality of economic growth that it makes possible.  3. Normal procedure will be to finance new development or expansion of existing industry through the Development Finance Corporation. This will have authority to expand its New Zealand capital and also to borrow overseas. This will ensure the highest possible level of New Zealand participation in control and ownership of New Zealand industry by avoiding direct participation of overseas interests in the investment of such funds.  4. As a further measure to retain New Zealand control over development, all proposals involving the investment of capital controlled by non residents, whether in new enterprises or in land or for the purchase of existing concerns, will be scrutinised by a special new authority to be called the Monopolies Commission. This Commission will have five members appointed by the governor-general. There will be a right of appeal to the Administrative Division of the Supreme Court against its decisions. The Commission will be required to base its decisions on its interpretation of the public interest in each case. In general, it will be required to oppose monopoly developments unless each one has shown to be clearly in the interests of the New Zealand public. The Commission will be instructed to prevent any investment that has as its main or substantial purpose to effect of transferring profits previously payable within New Zealand to overseas investors. Takeover proposals from New Zealand investors will be subject to examination by this Commission.  5. Subsidiaries of overseas companies will be required to issue more detailed financial reports than at present. They will be required to show turnover and profit and loss statements together with figures of tax paid both in New Zealand and overseas and amount set aside for deprecation on their local activities.  6. Where there are indications that monopoly practices of overseas companies make difficulties for the New Zealand authorities arriving, at an accurate picture of the profits made by those companies from their New Zealand operations, there will be an examination of alternative proposals of taxation, varying the present tax based only on profits and payroll figures, to give a better assessment of the contribution that the company shot be making to the New Zealand economy.  Forestry. LABOUR regards the great potential for expanding forest development and timber based on industries in New Zealand as an essential contribution to our social, economic and ecological well being.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. A Labour Government will make provisions for financial and technical assistance for increased State and private forest planting.  2. Detailed land utilisation surveys will be undertaken before land is acquired for afforestation to ensure balanced development and to avoid any clash between forestry and farming.  3. Particular attention will be given to expected local requirements as well as export potential when new plantings of exotic timbers is being planned.  4. Labour will give priority to forest planting in critical catchment areas, and indigenous forests in such areas will be preserved.  5. Planting for sand dune reclamation will be accelerated.  6. The farm forestry encouragement scheme will be continued and extended to include and assist local authorities and private interests afforestation programmes, with special emphasis on conservation purposes and to provide sufficient exotic timber to meet local needs. The full scope of the farm forestry encouragement policy will apply to the Chatham Islands.  7. Maori Land Incorporations and other Maori land interests will be encouraged to afforestation where their land is suitable for such purpose.  8. Industries using timber as a raw material are particularly appropriate to Labour's Regional Development policies, and their expansion will be fostered. Attention will be given to such industries producing for export and to these which endeavour to diversify timber exports beyond pulp and paper, creating added value to the basic product.  9. Research into all aspects of timber production, including timber treatment will. be extended.  BEECH FORESTS.  10. Labour believes that the South Island beech forest resources can and must be managed and utilised intelligently. With many facets requiring just attention, a Labour. Government will ensure the early passage of an Act providing for the establishment of the South Island Beech Forests Management and Utilisation Council. Its functions will, be to advise Government, after considering all aspects affecting management, utilisation, wild life, conservation, recreation and ecological questions. The council will include the Minister of Forests as chairman, representatives from Regional Development Councils of the areas off affected, ecological, conservation wild life interests, Forestry Department and industry.  RECREATIONAL PURPOSES.  11. Labour also believes that the public should have reasonable access to the State forests of New Zealand and will, accordingly, undertake the necessary development.  Health. Everyone is entitled to the best possible health service. The only acceptable criterion of a person’s right to medical care ought to be a person’s medical need. All people who need medical care should receive it as of right Our health services therefore would be restored to achieve the principles.  PLANNED TARGETS AND OBJECTIVES. Under the present Government there has been a steady deterioration in our health services. Labour will  1. Make an immediate detailed analysis of the present shortages and requirements in all fields.  2. Assess both short and long-term needs.  3. Formulate a plan over ten-year periods, taking into consideration medical trends, population growth and other relevant factors.  4. Construct inside this plan a shorter programme for the first five years. Every year, or more frequently if necessary, a reassessment would be undertaken, taking into consideration any significant changes affecting calculated projections.  HOSPITAL SYSTEM. Too little attention has been given to the human side of hospital services. Costly buildings have been erected with insufficient qualified staff to service them. Labour will:  1. Reduce the waiting list in each hospital district by providing more inpatient accommodation, more efficient use of existing accommodation, or appointing additional medical and nursing staff where needed.  2. Ensure that no patient who is suffering from a terminal illness is discharged from a public hospital unless and until it is established beyond doubt that adequate home care or suitable alternative facilities are available.  3. Provide adequate consultant and out patient services.  4. Provide closer co-operation between the universities, teaching hospitals and present psychiatric hospitals in the training of all engaged in psychiatry or therapeutic psychology.  5. Expand outpatient psychiatric services, including day hospitals.  6. Make adequate provision for the treatment for alcoholics and those addicted to drugs.  7. Allocate an adequate total amount of finance to each Board each year, making separate provisions for new approved services as required.  8. Reconstitute and expand the Hospital Advisory Council. Its new membership will include direct representation of the medical profession.  9. Require the Hospital Advisory Council to examine each proposal for the building of new hospital and review the present usage of existing hospitals with a view to ensure the most effective and efficient use of available resources.  10. Require the Council to accept and give proper consideration to representations from local communities and/or individuals and, in such cases to give publicly the reasons for its decisions.  11. Make provision for hospital boards to provide bursaries for junior staff taking the Diploma of Casualty Surgery and post-graduate study.  12. Provide a sufficient number of geriatric, long-stay beds in all general hospitals to meet the need. (See Care of the Aged in social Welfare policy.)  COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES. Health today needs a team approach. Special emphasis will be given to the establishment of a wide range of services to care for patients in their own environment so that a broad base of medical and nursing services will be available in all districts. Labour will:  1. Provide adequate finance for the establishment of health centres which could include provision for physiotherapists, social workers, and a small hall for lectures and seminars. Provide for the purchase or long-term lease of the buildings.  2. Provide grants for the establishment of mobile health services in sparsely populated districts.  3. Expand extra mural services so that a broad range of services are available for those requiring nursing and medical care in their own homes.  GENERAL PRACTICE. The role of the family doctor, the general practitioner, cannot be overemphasised. His position of first contact between the patient and other sections of the health services is invaluable. If the G.P. is able to give sufficient time to his patient, many of the psychological and physical problems that face the patient and family can be resolved at this point. A Labour Government will:  1. Encourage continuing medical education by providing post-graduate study so that qualifications such as the present Diploma of Obstetrics are available in additional fields such as paediatrics, cardiology, geriatrics, casualty surgery and psychiatry.  2. Extend the provision of practice nurses to urban areas.  GROUP PRACTICE. A Labour Government will: Provide adequate finance by way of loan at attractive rates of interest, or leasehold facilities for the establishment of group surgery which may include facilities for dentists.  COUNTRY PRACTICE. A Labour Government will: Improve the availability of doctors and health services for people in country districts, smaller towns and regional centres by:  1. A regular review of fees and mileage rates in consultation with practitioners.  2. Introducing an allowance to cover time spent travelling.  3. Designating country practices difficult to fill as special practices and granting postgraduate bursaries.  DOCTORS' FEES. Rising doctors' fees place an increasing burden on patients. Labour will:  1. Negotiate with the medical profession an increase in the general medical services benefit, so that the cost to the patient would be a minor one as existed under the first Labour Government.  2. Review annually the general medical service benefit.  MEDICAL SCHOOLS. A Labour Government will:  1. Expedite the expansion of the medical school in Auckland.  2. Expedite the completion of the clinical schools at Christchurch and Wellington.  3. Immediately commence planning for a third medical school.  PREVENTIVE MEDICINE. 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.  CHILD HEALTH. Malnutrition in children has been increasing and requires constructive steps to combat it. Labour will:  1. Provide regular medical examinations of school children.  2. Reintroduce the milk in schools scheme where the need is recognised by the Health Department.  PHARMACEUTICAL BENEFITS. Labour will: Continually review the free list to ensure that prescriptions necessary to patients will be available without cost.  DENTAL SERVICES. Labour will:  1. Extend dental services to dependent children until they are 18.  2. Incorporate within the Social Security scheme orthodontic treatment for dependent children.  3. Increase educational facilities to train orthodontists and orthodontic technicians.  NURSING. Labour will:  1. Establish a demonstration programme to evaluate the changes required in nursing education and expedite them.  2. Provide adequate training facilities in smaller Centres.  3. Provide that any qualified nurse aid or community nurse, with or without School Certificate, will be eligible for general training, so that the nursing profession will remain open to all who, will make good nurses,  4. Provide more diversified and intensive postgraduate training.  Housing. The aim of LABOUR’S policy will be to ensure that every New Zealander is adequately housed. Housing will be accorded a high priority. Home ownership is the objective for which the majority aspire. This will be encouraged by replacing the present arbitrary State Advance system with a more flexible lending policy. In setting guidelines for lending policy, labour will ensure greater diversification in housing types and design, show more concern for people and quality of their environment and an appreciation of the problems of high cost areas. Each loan application will be dealt with on its individual merit and take into account family circumstances. Overtime will not be a debarring factor. The keynote in lending for home ownership will be flexibility. LABOUR’S objective is to finance the maximum number on one-mortgage basis.  HOUSING AUTHORITY.  1. Labour supports the concept of a National Housing Authority and will require such authority to report regularly to Government. The scope of the National Housing Authority will include the setting out off appropriate goals to ensure that people are properly housed. It will be expected to recommend targets to effectively attain these goals. With the changing emphasis of society and its housing requirements, goals and targets will be constantly reviewed. In setting targets, the Authority will naturally be expected to take into account the finance and labour force required by the building industry to meet these targets.  HOME OWNERSHIP.  2. Ceilings for 3% loans will be regularly reviewed. As a first step Labour will raise the gross income eligibility level to $60 a week with an allowance of $4 per week for each dependent child. Labour will introduce a new loan at 41% for those whose incomes do not exceed $75 a week. The same concession of $4 per week for each child will apply. Overtime will be disregarded when determining eligibility for low interest loans. Consideration will be given to the extension of loan terms to 40 years where such extension is advantageous to the home seeker. Special consideration will be given to displaced workers and those compelled to shift for reasons of continuity of employment. The normal 5,5% loan will continue to b available for those who do not qualify for lower interest loans.  LOANS TO APPLICANTS WITH A DEPOSIT SAVED UNDER THE TAX INCENTIVE SCHEME.  3. Provided the applicant's proposal qualified in all other respects for a State Advances Corporation housing loan, the interest rate, on the loan will be related to the saving the applicant has available in the home investment account. Within the total loan made available, any amount equal to that saved for one year will be available at 3% interest. The relationship will be twice that saved for two years up to five times, that held for five years or longer. This 3% interest rate will be charged irrespective of the applicant’s current income, but any balance of the loan beyond this savings-related amount will bear interest at rates set out above, related to the applicant's income and family status.  REFINANCING 2^nd^ AND SUBSEQUENT MORTGAGES FOR EXISTING HOME OWNERS  4. There will be a fund established from which home owners suffering hardship through very high interest rates can be assisted to refinance their home an a one mortgage basis.  FAMILY BENEFIT CAPITALISATION  5. Where circumstances warrant the Labour Government will permit the full family benefit to be capitalised and will raise the present limit ($2000) to a more realistic level. The upper basic income eligibility level and the maximum that can be capitalised will be reviewed every six months and adjusted with wage and salary movements.  BUILDING SECTIONS.  6. Greater participation by central government in the provision of serviced building sections is imperative. A Labour Government will significantly increase activity in developing serviced sections and will ensure that the necessary reserves of land are purchased. Urgent steps will be taken in a drive to close the gap between supply and demand which is undoubtedly the most effective answer in helping to stabilise costs. The interchange of some sections between State and private developers to assist in mixing types of houses and people will be encouraged.  STATE ADVANCES PLANNING BUDGETARY AND ADVISORY SERVICES.  7. The facilities of the State Advances Corporation will be expanded to provide for planning and advisory services to prospective homebuilders. Legal expenses relevant to the construction of the home will be eligible for inclusion in the mortgage where circumstances warrant. A Labour Government will enable State Advances loans an homes to be transferred when the property is sold, the loan to be transferable either to the new owner of the property or to a new approved property purchased by the mortgagee.  STATE HOUSING.  8. A Labour Government will increase the number of houses built for the State Advances Corporation for rental, sale or long-term lease according to die requirements and circumstances of the applicants concerned. The income bar for State house tenancy will be abolished and applicants considered on their individual needs and circumstances. Income would be a factor in determining degree of urgency. To preserve the public’s investment in State housing and develop more attractive living areas accelerated maintenance programmes will be instituted in existing housing estates. In the development of new estates emphasis will be given to advances in design and materials to achieve the best possible environment.  9. In a more immediate move to help solve the housing crisis and begin to wipe out the waiting list of thousands, Labour will buy in approved existing homes an the market to more rapidly increase the pool of public rental houses (under direction of the State Advances Corporation). Where necessary these will be renovated to an acceptable standard. This is a new move and will also have the advantage of pepper potting rental homes in older suburbs.  PENSIONER ACCOMMODATION.  10. Labour will take urgent steps to accelerate the construction of flats for pensioners. Pensioner units will be incorporated within major housing projects to ensure a balanced social environment. Qualifications for Local Body rental and Own Your Own pensioner flats, will be liberalised. Labour will encourage religious and charitable organisations to provide accommodation for the aged and infirm by generous subsidies. Subsidies will be either 90% of the total cost, or 100% of the building, with land and furniture the responsibility of the organisation concerned. Loans will be granted, or current S.A.C. loans extended at minimal rates in approved cases for provision of additional living quarters in or adjacent to existing homes for the housing of aged relatives. Low rental removable living quarters will be made available adjacent to existing dwellings to assist families who have sufficient land to care for their aged relatives at home.  REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT.  11. In areas of slower growth where housing is an essential component for regional development of industry, special policies will apply and will be tailored to suit the district and neighbourhood circumstances.  BUILDING INDUSTRY.  12. The building industry, in order to sustain the necessary programme of construction, must be assured of continuity of contracts which will eliminate the existing cycle of peaks and troughs. This will ensure that skilled tradesmen within the industry have stability of employment. It will also restore confidence in the industry, so that young people wishing to serve apprenticeships can do so in the knowledge that there will always be a demand for the skills they acquire.  LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSING LOANS.  13. To assist in meeting accommodation needs in expanding urban areas, local authority housing loans will be granted to meet approved 5-year programme. There will be close co-operation between State and local authority to establish standards and minimise costs. Finance for all approved local authority projects will be made available at 3,5% interest and loan redemption period will be extended where this will ensure lower rentals. For approved schemes grants up to 100% will be made to bring redevelopment areas to the stage of rebuilding.  URBAN RENEWAL.  14. (a) The National Housing Authority will determine and recommend annually a allocation realistically geared to the need of local authorities for approved urban renewal projects.  (b) To encourage home owners of approved older properties to upgrade their dwellings, improve living conditions and the community environment, Labour will introduce a new loan for the restoration and improvement of existing homes.  PROVISION OF SECTIONS.  15. By approving revolving loan finance for approved land development projects loan authorities will be encouraged to provide serviced sections for sale or lease to genuine homeowners.  Immigration. New Zealand should immediately lift its immigration targets. Current Labour shortages, particularly skilled labour, in some regions demand immediate action on immigration.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. Immigration has been of considerable benefit to New Zealand in the past. Similarly, in the long term, New Zealand stands to gain from immigration in the future.  2. An accelerated passage scheme for selected immigrants will be operated at the maximum level that employment, economic situation, housing and social conditions permit. In selecting immigrants, preference will be given to skilled tradesmen in specified fields with special skills and/or experience.  3. Such additional Government assistance as may be necessary to achieve adequate levels of immigration will be provided.  4. Suitable semi-skilled people will be eligible for assisted passage and will, along with New Zealanders, be offered the opportunity to acquire new or higher skills through a subsidised industry training scheme.  5. A more liberal attitude will be adopted towards applications from people who have already settled and raised families in New Zealand to have their parents join them from abroad.  6. New Zealanders immigration policy will be administered so as to avoid social, political and economic problems. New Zealand should make it clear by its method of deciding whom to admit that it is concerned that:  (a) It is able to absorb migrants without social or economic strain. Such capacity will be determined by the need to avoid housing congestion and unemployment and to ensure harmonious settlement within the community.  (b) It accepts the close relatives of those already settled here. Other immigrants should fall within selected occupational categories.  (c) The ratio between male and female migrants from each country should be kept relatively even.  (d) All immigrants coming here would be required to meet satisfactory standards and should be encouraged to seek New Zealand citizenship.  Importing. Import selection will be exercised to protect overseas reserves, enable industry to develop and expand and to restore and maintain a continuity of full employment.  1. Blanket import licensing will not be applied.  2. Where existing industrial units have been, or are being, adversely affected as a result of import relaxation, protection will be reapplied to ensure full utilisation of both industrial and labour capacity.  3. A Labour Government will issue end-user licences to give manufacturers a guaranteed supply of raw materials and components which may still be subject to control.  4. The administration of licensing will be transferred to a special section of the Development Division of the Department of Industries and Commerce so that licensing can be directly related to industrial development, while at the same time avoiding delays and duplication which results from the control split between two departments.  5. As a matter of urgency, current licences will be reviewed in order to redistribute licences surplus to individual requirements; the review to also enable the issue of three year licences wherever possible.  6. With the establishment of an Export-Import Corporation, major bilateral trade deals will be transacted by the Corporation which will make goods imported under such arrangements freely, available through normal channels of commercial distribution.  7. A review of the activities by the Tariff and Development Board and the emergency protection Authority will be treated as a matter of urgency so that Board decisions can be expedited and the Authority restricted to the role which was originally intended.  Industrial Development. The development of local industries, especially those utilising indigenous raw materials and minerals, will be encouraged with the maximum participation of local capital as the means of broadening, strengthening and advancing the New Zealand economy and security of employment. Industrial development in some centres has already reached the stage where it will continue to generate further expansion. In other localities population, employment and industrial opportunities are unbalanced. For social as well as economic reason, industry must be expanded in such districts to provide employment for more young people within the community and to increase local prosperity.  Policy details.  1. The Development Finance Corporation will be superseded by an Industrial Development Finance Corporation. Its function will be to make advances, or guarantee bank finance for industrial development, especially for industries with export potential or industries operating in rural centres.  2. Every encouragement and assistance will be provided by a Labour Government towards the early development of new industries based upon steel, aluminium, oil, natural gas and other natural resources.  3. To promote development and expansion, industry will be encouraged to set aside a proportion of current income for future investment in an account with the Industrial Development Finance Corporation, such funds to be not liable for tax purposes whilst so invested or when subsequently used on approved development. (See Finance and Taxation Policy.)  4. Regional industrial development will be fostered by creating the circumstances and incentives which will enable existing industry in provincial centres to expand and operate more competitively with those based in the major market centres.  5. To this end the Industrial Development Finance Corporation will be authorised to operate a Regional Development section. Areas which justify special industrial development will be nominated by the Corporation and approved by Government as special development districts.  6. Regional Development Councils will be established in special development districts to recommend to the Corporation the type of assistance necessary, either for existing or projected industries. Each Council will include representatives of the commercial community, employee organisations and local government.  7. Assistance will vary from district to district and from one type of industry to another within the same area, in order to meet special circumstances. The primary aim will be to encourage the expansion of existing industry in re-development areas and the establishment of further production units wherever possible.  8. Corporation councils will be authorised to grant any of the following assistance to approved industries:  (a) Freight subsidies of up to 75 per cent; towards the cartage of finished products to internal markets or export outlet.  (b) Provision of special deprecation allowances.  (c) Finance at low rates of interest for factory construction or expansion and for the purchase of approved machines which will increase productivity and employment.  (d) Guarantees to the State Advances Corporation or other lending institutions for housing for technicians, specialists and workers brought from other areas.  (e) Provide guarantees to enable local bodies to raise finance for acquiring and developing approved industrial sites.  9. Where South Island exporters are disadvantaged either by excessive freight rates or infrequency of service, the Industrial Development Finance Corporation will negotiate with the New Zealand Shipping Corporation to ensure the provision of alternative service at rates to offset these disadvantages.  10. Goods travelling inter-island by rail will be at a unit rate as if the consignment was for a single rail journey.  1. Every encouragement, including financial grants, will be provided for training workers to attain greater technical and managerial skills, with particular emphasis upon the retraining of redundant workers.  Industrial Relations. It is LABOURS objective to improve and maintain good industrial relations; to draw up modern industrial laws which ensure full employment, economic justice, freedom and security; the right to work in just and favourable conditions. These laws must also ensure a full fair share in the nation's production and assert the right of all who are willing and able to work, to a living standard commensurate with modern concepts and national prosperity. Good industrial relations depend on creating a climate of co-operation and placing human rights and values first while providing for the full development of human dignity in the industrial sphere. Security of employment, a stable economy and job satisfaction are all important contributions to good industrial relations.  POLICY DETAILS. Full Employment.  1. The Labour Party believes that everyone able to work and willing to work should have the right to work. A Labour Government will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to work. Full employment of labour calls for the full employment of plant, machinery and resources and accelerated industrial development. The necessary protection of industry and other measures outlined in the Industrial Development section of the Manifesto will be utilised to ensure full employment as well as a better balanced economy. Training and retraining schemes will be introduced to widen the range of employment potential of person’s unemployed.  Unemployment Because of Physical, Psychological or Educational Handicaps  2. The small band of people currently unemployed because of physical and psychological educational handicaps need more than unemployment benefits. These people need real help that aims at increasing their economic independence. Such help will include.  (a) Full assessment of potential abilities and disabilities.  (b) Effective vocational guidance.  (c) Education and training deemed in the light of the assessment of abilities and disabilities to be most appropriate for the development of the individual's potential.  (d) Sheltered employment until fully rehabilitated and established in satisfactory employment.  3. The Labour Department will be charged with enforcing the provisions of awards and agreements at present registered under the I.C. and A. Act.  4. Legislative provision will be made:  (a) For the investigation of profit sharing and the development of productivity bargaining.  (b) Whereby the Court of Arbitration or its successor will include in awards and industrial agreements on the application of the parties, amendments agreed to by the Employers' Federation and the Federation of Labour.  (c) For workers such as agricultural workers who were not covered by the I.C. and A. Act to come within the industrial legislation.  (d) To give adequate recognition to skill and knowledge, maintain adequate margins for skill and ensure that the basic or unskilled rate provide a reasonable standard of living.  (a) To ensure that workers receive a just return from increases in production and improvements in productivity.  3. A Labour Government will facilitate the introduction of equal payment conformity with the provisions of the Commission of Inquiry.  4. The Minimum Wage Act 1945 will be amended to:  (a) Remove discrimination against women.  (b) Establish a minimum rate which will enable a worker to obtain a living wage for a 40-hour week.  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. The Remuneration Authority will be abolished.  5. 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.  6. The Labour Party endorses the principles underlying the recommendations of the Woodhouse Commission, namely that the community has a responsibility to ensure provision of adequate compensation to all who suffer personal injury by accident and the dependants of those who are disabled or killed by accident. Consequently, on becoming the Government, steps will be taken to include those recommendations which the present Bill omits, e.g., the inclusion of housewives and other non-earners.  7. The Waterfront Industries Act will be amended in the light of experience and waterfront developments.  8. Trade Union and 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 assure greater responsibility. Industrial relations education will be encouraged by providing for a 150% tax deduction for employers who meet the cost of enabling employees to undertake industrial education in approved institutions.  13. A Labour Government will amend the Annual Holidays Act so that all workers receive a minimum of three weeks' annual leave.  14. Without limitation, 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.  15. To help provide continuity and stability in the labour force, a Labour Government will encourage the introduction of long-service leave.  16. Industrial safety legislation will be reviewed to ensure that industrial safety can be more effectively promoted and policed.  17. Sickness benefit will be paid from the first day a worker is off work where the time lost is one week or more. (See Social Security Policy for details of payments to workers who are laid off work through sickness.)  18. Suitable legislation similar to that which is in force overseas, to guarantee that workers who are displaced as a result of industrial change are assured of compensation and retraining to enable then, to find suitable employment will be introduced. A co-ordinated system of job training, retraining and placement will be established using existing educational and training facilities. Continuing income and accommodation will be related to the period of training. It will be a responsibility of Government to bear the cost of retraining, relocation, housing and other such needs in cases where real redundancy arises. Wherever possible, subsidies and grants will be used, to bring private industry into the scheme.  19. Semiskilled people will be offered the opportunity to acquire new or higher skills through a subsidised industry training scheme.  20. Because human labour is the main source of wealth, Labour will introduce production incentives to wage and salary earners:?  Tax on Overtime.  (a) The maximum rate of tax on overtime earnings of any wage or salary earner shall not exceed the highest rate payable on the income earned on the basic working week at ordinary rates of pay. This rebate will apply only to earnings from hours actually worked in excess of the basic working week in the same job.  Tax Deduction - Shift Workers.  (a) Production and services involving a multi-shift basis of work, including rotational shift work, can have social disadvantages for those who work at nights, on weekends and so on. To compensate such employees and to offer an incentive to those who elect to work shifts, as a first step, a tax rebate equal to 10 per cent of the total income tax liability incurred by the individual will be granted. In light of experience of the operations of this, production incentives for wage earners in other categories, where such incentives are likely to contribute to industrial efficiency and productivity will be explored. (See finance policy.)  17. A comprehensive wage related contributory superannuation scheme will be established.  18. The interest of contributors to private employee superannuation schemes will be protected where necessary.  19. In the interest of public safety and welfare of those employed in the industry, Labour will amend the Electricians Act 1969 to provide that:  (a) Any person engaged in electrical work must be a registered electrician or work under the proper supervision of a registered electrician.  (b) Electrical installations will be subject to inspections by qualified inspectors employed for this specific purpose.  International Affairs. The New Zealand LABOUR PARTY’S international affairs policy is to promote the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognises the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all.  POLICY DETAILS. This can be best achieved by New Zealand through:  1. An independent viewpoint of international affairs with support for the principles of the United Nations.  2. Securing the independence and territorial integrity of New Zealand and recognising this right for all other countries.  3. Striving for an end to racial discrimination on the basis of equality of opportunity, cultural diversity, and mutual tolerance and understanding.  4. The promotion of international peace and regional co-operation based on expanding trade.  5. Special recognition and assistance to developing nations through trade and aid.  COMMONWEALTH. Recognising the effect of the United Kingdom entry to membership of the E.E.C. upon New Zealand ties with the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries, we will reassess our position working positively for the development of common interests, co-operation and peaceful relations.  UNITED NATIONS. The United Nations is still mankind's best hope for international peace and co-operation. Labour wholeheartedly supports this organisation the Charter of which is the cornerstone of our policy. A Labour Government will by agreement with the Security Council and the General Assembly offer a contribution for peacekeeping and constructive roles.  TREATIES. In accord with the principles of the United Nations, Labour will seek to promote wider regional arrangements for the preservation of peace, Treaties of friendship, trade and mutual assistance with Pacific and South East Asian countries.  ANZUS. The ANZUS Treaty as a defensive alliance with Australia and the United States of America will be maintained.  ANZUK. The Labour Government will, in consultation with Treaty countries, establish a reasonable date for the return home of our New Zealand forces from Malaysia and Singapore.  ASPAC. The Labour Government will continue to foster ASPAC as a constructive contribution to progress in the region.  SEATO. Labour, in consultation with the active members of the Pact, will seek other arrangements for the continuation of the social and economic work undertaken by the organisation and for the phasing out of any military commitment involved.  PACIFIC COUNCIL.  1. Recognising the increasing responsibility New Zealand shares in the Pacific for ensuring the social, economic, cultural and political advancement for the people of this region, a Labour Government will foster and encourage the establishment of a Pacific Council representing Parliaments and Members of South and South-West Pacific, Australia and New Zealand.  2. The Council, would be consultative in character, and would aim at effective regional co-operation and the pursuance of common interests.  3. A Labour Government will extend aid and involvement in the South Pacific and the South Pacific Commission.  DISARMAMENT. The Labour Party has consistently supported the early conclusion of an international disarmament agreement and welcomed the strategic arms limitation agreement between the United States of America and the Soviet Union. Labour will work to extend the principle.  REPRESENTATION ABROAD. New Zealand's representation overseas will be expanded. Priority will be accorded.  1. To posts offering opportunities for increased trade and creating ties of goodwill.  2. The strengthening of co-operation with Australia.  3. To maintaining the most? friendly basis of relationship with the United States of America.  4. To encouraging co-operation and achieving closer and more friendly relationships with the south-east Asia and Asian countries. The Labour Government will recognise the People's Republic of China.  VIETNAM, CAMBODIA, LAOS. Labour has always believed outside military intervention to be futile. The remaining detachments of New Zealand armed services will be withdrawn. AA maximum effort to assist rehabilitation of Vietnam will be made especially in the fields of agriculture, medicine and education.  RACIAL DISCRIMINATION. All doctrines of racial superiority are totally rejected. A Labour Government will make a contribution to the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa and would pursue a more positive role in combating racial discrimination, both in voting in the United Nations and in giving effect to the resultant resolutions.  AID: PRINCIPLES. It is the bounden duty of affluent nations to help the less developed. Aid for development will have a top priority in the Labour Government's activities overseas. The objective will to be to make an increasing contribution so as to reduce poverty, disease, insecurity and want, and promote political stability and the social and economic betterment of the people. Aid will be given without political, conditions, but reciprocal trading as a form of aid is to be encouraged and may well be a product of aid. Where possible we will remove barriers to trade as a form of aid through trade. Special attention will be focused on the needs of the South Pacific and South East Asia. Labour will retain the objective of 1% aid by 1975. Labour will give particular attention to the use of New Zealand goods, services, materials and skills. Colombo Plan and other aid such as to Volunteer Service Abroad and the University of the South Pacific will be continued and expanded. A combined organisation will be established with the widest possible representation to co-ordinate the aid programme and advise the Government on programme planning to assist with publicity, to, ensure that external aid becomes a permanent feature of New Zealand's economic policy.  NUCLEAR WEAPONS AND TESTING. Labour is opposed to all nuclear weapon testing by all nations. Labour will urge nuclear powers to abandon nuclear weapon tests for all time. Labour favours the establishment of nuclear weapon and test-free zones by international agreement. Labour will call a conference of pacific nations with a view to establishing a nuclear weapon and test-free zone such as that created by the Antarctic Treaty. Labour is opposed to the proliferation of nuclear weapons and will seek an effective means of ending the spread of such weapons.  Justice, Law and Order. The first duty of a Government is to ensure the safety and protection of the community. Labour accepts that responsibility. Effective steps will be taken ahead at stamping out lawlessness. The mounting toll of personal injury and property damage caused by vandals, hooligans and stand-over bullies will be met by positive action  POLICY DETAILS  1. Violent crimes involving the use of a weapon are extremely grave offences and must be treated accordingly.  2. All resort to violence in crime must be regarded as very serious.  3. The right of peaceful dissent and protest will be upheld and protected.  4. Assaults or attacks on Police Officers will not be tolerated and existing penalties should be rigorously applied.  5. The Courts will be given new powers which will:  (a) Enable them to make the punishment fit the crime.  (b) Make fuller and more effective use of powers to order restitution and compensation.  (c) Deprive hooligans and other criminals of their motorcycles, ears or vehicles and direct that the proceeds from the disposal of this property are applied to restitution or compensation.  (d) Empower Magistrates to use more freely social punishments.  6. Labour will establish youth development centres to which selected offenders will be sent for a short period of discipline and training.  7. Social unrest generally will be met with firmness, but understanding. Changing patterns of life demand continual reappraisal of judicial, administrative and executive powers and procedures. Legitimate grievances and protests cannot be brushed aside. The law must be upheld.  8. An advisory Council will be established to review penalties, crime prevention and rehabilitation training and to recommend regularly on changes, provisions and innovations designed to fight crime and protect the community. The Council will consist of experienced lay people and representatives of police, welfare workers, and churches.  9. The Probation Service will be more adequately staffed.  PROTECTION AND PREVENTION.  1. Priority will be given to increasing the level gf protection of the community and intensifying crime prevention activity.  2. Recruiting will be continued and training facilities expanded to ensure that there are sufficient police actively engaged in the work for which they have been trained.  3. Where necessary additional civilian clerical staff will be appointed to free trained police currently carrying out this work.  4. Selected urban Police Stations will be reopened and arrangements made for police to be located in these areas.  5. The Police Force will have transport available that will enable speedy response to local calls.  6. Police numbers and their distribution will be so arranged as to enable immediate response to reports of suspicious circumstances.  7. The present mobile police patrol system will be maintained.  8. The Youth Aid Section of the Police Force will be greatly expanded and a continuous campaign in schools and among young, people aimed at increasing the regard for the police and respect for the law will be maintained.  ADMINISTRATION.  1. A Labour Government will overhaul the present legal aid system to ensure that all accused persons are made aware of their rights on arrest and have access to adequate legal representation regardless of the accused social or economic standing.  2. Legal Aid Services will be reviewed, extended and simplified.  3. All persons exercising jurisdiction in the Children's Court will be specially trained for the work.  4. A Labour Government will give favourable consideration to the setting up of Small Claims Courts after having studied similar projects in other countries.  5. A Labour Government will carry out a searching inquiry into all forms of investment, trust administration and corporate financing.  6. Labour will take steps to promote research in depth into causes of crime and anti-social behaviour, with a view to establishing improved rehabilitative procedures.  LICENSING. A Royal Commission will be set up to report on the production, distribution and sale of liquor and addictive drugs in New Zealand.  Land. LABOURS 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. While recognising that the changing capital structure is creating a place for bona fide farm companies, a LABOUR GOVERNMENT will 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. Future purchase of farmland will be restricted to Persons resident in New Zealand or companies controlled by New Zealanders.  3. The Marginal Lands Board will continue to function and maintain a close liaison with the proposed Rural Banking and Finance Corporation.  4. Because of the heavy burden placed on lessees of 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 lessees whose land valuation has increased by 5% or more per annum since the previous rental assessment.  5. 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.  Local Government. LOCAL GOVERNMENT MUST BE MODERNISED. REGIONAL GOVERNMENT.  1. The Labour Party will support the development of regional government, particularly to avoid the proliferation of special purpose authorities. To review the present position, the Local Government Commission will be strengthened and authorised to set up regional authorities. Its jurisdiction will be extended over power boards and harbour boards. Until Regional Authorities are established, Municipal Electricity Departments will retain their right to distribute electricity. The Commission will prepare a plan to describe areas as a basis for practical regional government. This form of government would enable town and country districts to be developed in harmony and enable present and future facilities to be established on the most economic basis. The completed plan would be submitted by way of referendum to the electors of each region as defined.  OMBUDSMAN.  2. The jurisdiction of this office will be extended to cover all local bodies.  LOCAL BODY FINANCE AND RATE STABILISATION.  3. There will be a complete and urgent appraisal of Local Authority spending and finance to enable a satisfactory rate stabilisation policy to be implemented.  RATE RELIEF.  4. In the short term, while these discussions proceed, there will be a system of relief for residential ratepayers on benefits and other low incomes. Every ratepayer will meet the first $50 of his rate, plus one-third of the remaining amount. The other two-thirds will be met by central government subject to the abatement provisions indicated below. The full rebate will be available to ratepayers whose income does not exceed $2340 p.a. ($45 per week), including the wife's income plus $156 for each other dependant. If the ratepayer's income exceeds the limits above, the rebate will be reduced by $1 for every $8 in excess of the limits. The rebate will only be available to an owner-occupier of a residential property. 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. There will be a system of payment of rates by instalment.  LOCAL BODY LOANS.  5. The general policy on finance and taxation will ensure a better flow of loan money to local bodies without increases in interest rates.  6. Labour will extend the present acts which allow local authorities to buy and develop land for industrial purposes for the erection of industrial buildings. This will enable local authorities to associate with Regional Development Councils and with central government in furthering regional development.  Maori Affairs. A LABOUR GOVERNMENT will constantly promote policies to accelerate the social, cultural and economic advancement of the Maori people.  EDUCATION. While the provisions of Labours Education policy will be the equal right of all New Zealand citizens, the special educational needs of both Maori and Pacific Island children will receive full attention.  1. Pre-school education will be extensively expanded.  2. Centres will be established in both urban and rural communities.  3. More advisers will be available to foster parental involvement.  4. In specific areas five-day hostels will be established to assist the secondary education of rural pupils.  MAORI LANGUAGE AND STUDIES. Knowledge of Maoritangoa, identity, pride in culture and traditions contributes to a sense of confidence and independence in the Maori people. It also contributes to a better understanding between New Zealanders. The opportunity of learning Maori language and traditions will be more readily available and encouraged.  1. Maori language will be introduced as an optional subject in secondary schools.  2. Programmes in Maori studies will be introduced at primary and intermediate schools.  3. Study courses will be established at Teachers' Training Colleges to offer trainees a sound grounding in Maori language, culture and traditions.  4. Wherever possible suitable Maori speaking persons will be encouraged to assist such tuition.  VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE AND TRADE TRAINING. Labour will review the effectiveness of the present programmes for vocational guidance and trade training and will:  1. Take steps to expand and promote their influence in all categories of professional, occupational, and skilled training.  2. Take steps to ensure that Maori school pupils are personally counselled to assist placement in training to which their aptitudes, skills and schooling are most suited. Suitable training arrangements will be entered into with industry.  3. Where required, provide accommodation by grants to religious, industrial and other approved organisations for the construction and maintenance of hostels. Because of the social and economic importance of this, programme, its implementation will be given special emphasis.  MAORI PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION. Labour will at all times consult the Maori people on all matters affecting their right to Parliamentary representation. The number of members in the New Zealand Parliament have increased following each of the last two censuses. This will continue. Equity demands that the position of, the Maori representation should be maintained. To this end the number and distribution of Maori electorates will be determined or the basis of eligible population.  TREATY OF WAITANGI. To mark the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, a Labour Government will declare 6 February "New Zealand Day" and provide for an annual paid holiday which will not be "Mondayised." A Labour Government will also examine a practical means of legally acknowledging the principles set out in the Treaty of Waitangi.  LAND. With the strong ties between people and their land, Labour recognises the right of kingroups to remain proprietors of their land and firmly believes in the retention of Maori land in Maori ownership and management in every practicable instance.  1. Labour will continue to promote the effective use of Maori land. The provisions of Labour’s Agricultural Policy will apply to all Maori land enterprises and settlers.  2. A Labour Government will examine and overhaul the Maori Affairs Amendment Act 1967,  3. To encourage the continued development of Maori land, Labour will establish a Maori Land Advisory Council to undertake a survey of all Maori land interests and to advise how this land might be best used and to recommend financial and other assistance.  4. The Council will include Maori land-own representatives, organisations, specialised personnel from Government Departments and educational establishments. A Labour Government will also inquire into the state of Maori land development schemes for their early transfer to owner management, and will favourably consider the reduction or writing off of crippling indebtedness.  MAORI LAND INCORPORATIONS. The Labour Parry believes in the concept of land incorporations and will encourage their expansion to greater productivity, and will:  1. Invite representatives of Maori Land Incorporations and other interested parties to a conference to advise on the best means of attaining efficiency, incentives, and all matters affecting incorporations.  2. Increase loans for development.  3. Assist with and encourage the training of their personnel in management skills.  4. Assist finance the purchase of land interests within and outside the incorporation for development purposes.  5. Foster the establishment of a New Zealand Maori Land Incorporations' Federation.  MAORI TRUSTEE. A Labour Government will review the functions of the Maori Trustee with a view to widening the involvement of perpetual organisations such as Trust Boards in the administration and carrying out of the Trustee's responsibilities. The Trustee's responsibilities in respect to the administration of estates would be excepted. The powers of the Trustee will be restricted in such a way as to ensure that, in all matters in connection with the leasing and selling of Maori land the real and direct interest of the owners is protected.  MAORI TRUST BOARDS. With positive incentives, Trust Boards could undertake a wider scope of activities to assist the advancement of the Maori people within their jurisdiction. To assist elderly Maori people, a, Labour Government will undertake to extend the local body pensioner housing scheme to enable Trust Boards to have houses and flats built. Trust Boards will be authorised to purchase any Maori land interests within their area. The claim of the Ngaitahu Trust Board for a perpetual payment is recognised as fair and just. To place the Ngaitahu Trust Board on the same footing as other Trust Boards, the Maori Trust Board Act 1955 will be amended to convert the present basis of payment from annual to perpetual.  MAORI ART, CRAFT, AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES. The arts and culture of the Maori people is an important builder of morale. It is also part of New Zealand's heritage and culture. Maori arts and crafts will be positively encouraged. Grants to the Maori Purposes Fund Board will be increased. Youth and other groups promoting cultural appreciation will be assisted. Consultations will be held with interested groups with a view to establishing a professional cultural group.  MAORI HOUSING AND WELFARE.  1. The full provisions of Labour's housing policy will apply to Maori home-seekers.  2. The eligibility for housing loans in rural areas will be widened.  3. To assist with the purchase of a home or furnishings, a Labour Government will enable Maori landowners to realise on their land interest.  4. The valuable, work undertaken by welfare organisations is recognised and appreciated. There will be continuing support for their efforts and for the extension of co-operation, particularly in coping with the difficulties arising from urbanisation.  5. The need for realistic subsidy or assistance in renovating, repairing or building new rural or urban maraes or community centres will receive the early attention of a Labour Government.  Ministry of Energy Resources. LABOUR will expand and strengthen the ministry of Energy Resources to become wholly responsible for the co-ordination and development of the country's fuel and energy resources.  POLICY DETAILS. Its principal functions should be to:  1. Promote and co-ordinate the production, distribution, and use off coal, electricity, petroleum, natural gas and other indigenous sources of fuel and energy.  2. Administer and operate the State coalmines.  3. Administer and operate the New Zealand Electricity Department.  4. To prepare estimates of the long-term needs of New Zealand's fuel and energy requirements.  5. To pursue a policy directed at eliminating pollution and a programme of conservation to ensure the long-term benefit to the nation.  ELECTRICITY. To increase living standards, the nation must have an adequate and reliable supply of electricity at the lowest possible cost. The Labour Government established power planning committees with this policy in view, and this will be continued. Schemes under construction will be completed with the greatest possible expedition and nattural cheap sources of power in both the North and South Islands will be developed. Such development schemes will be promoted in such a way as to be in line with the nation's overall development programme. Approved industries in special areas will be offered assured supplies of electric power at low cost.  GEOTHERMAL STEAM. Labour will apply more concentrated effort to develop and use geothermal steam for power production. The success of Wairakei shows how fortunate New Zealand is in having natural energy of this kind available, and Labour will take further steps to utilise such sources of energy as the need and opportunity arises. The Broadlands field offers a unique opportunity for development for the production of heavy water. A Labour Government will ensure that this natural asset is used for the benefit of New Zealand.  NATURAL GAS. This valuable asset must be developed and used in conjunction, and not in conflict with, other sources of power. There are immense possibilities for the use of natural gas in the establishment of new industries, such as a petro-chemical complex. It can also be used to herald in new modern technological industries which would represent a breakthrough in New Zealand industrial development. Labour will also ensure that the consumers will enjoy the advantages of this effective and efficient source of power. Prospective overseas markets will be thoroughly investigated and exploited to New Zealand's advantage.  NUCLEAR POWER. New Zealand is well endowed with natural power resources and while these are available for development at reasonable cost, there is no purpose in considering nuclear power.  COAL. Coal is still one of New Zealand's main sources of heat and energy. Greater encouragement will be given to research, and a Labour Government will:  1. Take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the fullest utilisation of coal, both for domestic and industrial purposes.  2. Expand the research programme dealing with alternative and more economic uses of Coal.  3. Encourage hydro mining in areas where this form of production is suitable.  4. Reduce rail freights an coal to lower distribution costs.  5. Encourage the use of pulverised fuel in industry and investigate improved transport methods for this form of fuel.  6. Conduct surveys of coalfields with a view to ascertaining the economies of establishing coal-fired electric power stations based on the coal resources of the area. The social and economic interests will be fully considered in these surveys.  7. Undertake an immediate survey of export market prospects and actively pursue those which are realistic in both terms of local development and income return.  Ministry of Works and Development. LABOUR believes that the Government must give the utmost encouragement and leadership to develop New Zealand's own natural resources in the interest of New Zealand. A sound long-term plan of development is vital. To meet this programme it is essential to have efficient co-ordination of Government activity.  POLICY DETAILS. To achieve this the Ministry of Works will in future be known as the Ministry of Work and Development and be required to:  1. Determine priorities in development.  2. To bring together the development divisions of the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Energy Resources, and all related Departments concerned with planning and development. Such a Ministry will form a single link with industry and avoid the frustration, duplications and delay, and speed up the decision-making within Government Departments. The Department will:  1. Be responsible for co-ordinating and extending Government activity in National Development and Research.  2. Act as a link with the construction, manufacturing and processing industries.  3. Encourage the development of new industries based on New Zealand natural resources.  4. Establish Regional Development Authorities, particularly in areas which need special development programmes, such as the West Coast of the South Island.  5. Ensure that services, such as transport, energy resources, and water supply are available where and when required for regional development.  6. Protect the rights of the citizen, including the rights of objection to Departmental interference and the rights for fair compensation.  7. Ensure that the Ministry of Environment is consulted before any development programme is undertaken.  THE WORKS DIVISION. This Division will remain the major Government agency for the physical development and growth of New Zealand.  1. The technical administration of the new Ministry will be strengthened to meet the construction needs of an expanding nation.  2. The ministry will encourage and develop generally the use of new and rapid methods of construction:  (a) The engineering and technical staff will be strengthened.  (b) A special drive will be instituted overseas and in Item, Zealand to obtain additional professional engineers, architects, and draughtsmen, so that the Ministry is adequately equipped to undertake construction alongside private enterprise.  MINERAL RESOURCES. Labour will ensure that Government, industry, and science all play a much greater role in the discovery and development of our mineral resources. It will also ensure that overseas interests do not obtain greater advantages in exploiting our mineral resources than would accrue to New Zealanders. It will establish priorities in the need for development capital and determine the extent of Government participation. It will ensure that, where necessary, capital is made available for the proper development of our mineral resources. It will establish a policy requiring a percentage of royalty or contract payments for minerals to be funded and applied in the long-term interest of the district concerned. Such payments would be deductible for taxation purposes.  ROADING.  1. Although the Labour Party supports in principle the continuation of the National Roads Board, it is concerned that, after 20 years of administration, the roading and bridging requirements of the nation are far from satisfactory.  2. During the past five years roading costs have increased by 40%. Motor vehicles using roads have increased by 20% and the number of miles travelled by each vehicle by 20%. Yet revenue has increased by only 25%. Labour believes that roading needs should be determined, not by the tax collected by any particular methods, but by the actual amount required to implement a realistic roading and bridging programme. To meet the demands of a growing population it is essential that there be a properly integrated transport system. Labour believes that our roading system cannot, and must not, be neglected and will, therefore, ensure that sufficient finance is made available for this purpose. However, Labour will immediately investigate the operations of the National Roads Board to ensure that value is being obtained for the money being spent. A Roading Conference will be called of all interested parties, including those involved in contracting and transport, to initiate a more realistic approach to New Zealand roading needs. There will be special grants to meet the needs of problem areas in construction and bridging. One matter for concern is the ever-growing cost of maintenance, and a Labour Government will encourage the use of concrete for roads where the traffic densities are high and the loads carried are excessive.  TOWN PLANNING. Labour accepts the principle that central and local government planning is essential to preserve orderly development and to protect the environment. Planning legislation should be designed to protect the individual rights of the citizen and, at the same time, ensure that the State and Local Authorities can plan the development of an area in the interests of the whole community. With this end in view, a Labour Government will review and consolidate both the Public Works Act and the Town and Country Planning Act. The procedures for the compulsory taking of land will be amended to give greater protection for the owner. There will be an end to the practice of compulsory taking of houses and letting them stand empty for long periods. Where there is an objection, the taking of land or property will have to be justified to an independent Authority. Where a subsequent change in plans makes the land available again, first option to repurchase must be given to the original owner. Assistance will be given to cover the high costs of refinancing mortgages and the purchase of designated properties where the owner needs to sell. Provision will be made for reasonable legal expenses to be paid if appeals are taken to an Appeal Authority by the property owner.  IRRIGATION. Labour considers the use of the nation's water resources to be a national responsibility and will encourage the establishing of new irrigation schemes and the upgrading of existing schemes. Labour will accept full initial responsibility for the capital cost of all new schemes, including, on farm borderdyking. Payments will be on a graduated basis to allow the farmer to meet his commitments from the increased production.  BORDERDYKE SCHEMES.  1. One-third of the operational costs only will be charged for the first two years.  2. After two years full operational costs only will be charged on a water-rate basis.  3. After four years, two-thirds only of the whole scheme to be recouped by a land rate on the area under borderdyke over 40 years.  SPRAY IRRIGATION.  1. One-third operational costs based on the supply of water for the first two years.  2. After two years full operational costs only will be charged.  3. Long-term loans at reasonable interest rates for irrigation plant, with repayment of capital and interest to commence in fourth year.  4. Expenditure under this heading will also be one of the approved uses of funds saved under the tax exemption system mentioned in the taxation section of the policy.  News Media. GENERAL POLICY. The freedom of the press, the right to publish the truth, the right to free expression and discussion are strongly upheld.  2. We believe that a healthy and lively democracy is a well-informed democracy that has available to all its people freely and fully the widest possible range of viewpoints, opinions and news.  3. A free and balanced press is not something the people get automatically. It is something the people could lose automatically as pursuit of normal commercial procedures eliminates rival newspapers and establishes a monopoly of news dissemination throughout whole regions. In our view this trend already exists. The restrictions placed on newspaper ownership by the News Media Ownership Act, and the absence of general unrestricted take-overs and mergers have tended to inhibit if not defeat the maintenance of a free and impartial press. We believe that the climate in which a free press can flourish should be fostered.  4. In our view proposed takeovers and mergers of newspapers should be considered in exactly the same way as takeovers and mergers of other New, Zealand undertakings.  5. It is our belief that whether or not the activities of a monopoly are detrimental to the public interest can best be considered by a statutory authority acting in accord with judicial procedure.  6. The News Media Ownership Act will be repealed.  7. Takeover offers for the shares and assets of a newspaper will be considered in terms of the general law governing takeovers and monopolies. Such offers will be referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, whose decisions will be based on the broad principle of public interest. Its hearings will be conducted in accord with judicial procedure. There will be au right of appeal against the Authority's decisions to the administrative division of the Supreme Court.  Overseas trade. Unless New Zealand can earn more from the sale of its products overseas, standards of living cannot be maintained or improved. A LABOUR GOVERNMENT will embark upon a vigorous trade expansion Programme. A Labour Government will:  (1) Establish an Export-import, Corporation.  (2) Expand the Trade Commissioner Service.  (3) Offer improved export incentives.  (4) Establish a State Shipping Corporation.  (5) Appoint people experienced in marketing to the Producer Boards.  POLICY DETAILS. EXPORT-IMPORT CORPORATION.  1. In its first session legislation will be introduced to establish an Export-Import Corporation charged with the responsibility of co-ordinating and expanding overseas trading opportunities.  2. The Corporation will be empowered to establish overseas, either by lease or purchase warehouse and cool store facilities where required for the better servicing of existing or potential markets.  3. The Corporation will accept and market goods from local food processors or manufacturers wishing to export and who do not possess marketing resources.  4. The Corporation will be the agency through which bilateral trade transactions will be transacted.  5. In order to strengthen the Corporation, it will become a significant purchasing agent for the New Zealand Government  6. The Corporation will negotiate bulk freight agreements with Air New Zealand and shipping services so that small individual shipments can, through unitisation, obtain the benefits of lower bulk rates.  TRADE COMMISSIONER SERVICE.  1. New trade posts will be opened in the Pacific, Asia, South America and the Middle East.  2. An experienced commercial executive salesman will be appointed to each trade commission for a period not to exceed three years, to act as a commercial officer in conjunction with the Export-Import Corporation.  3. Such appointees will be from outside the public service and will not, in any way affect the normal appointments or promotion within the Trade Commission Service.  EXPORT INCENTIVES.  1. All export incentives will operate for an initial period of five years, but each case will be reviewed and may be extended on merit.  2. The existing taxation deduction of 20 per cent will be continued.  N.Z. SHIPPING CORPORATION  1. A new Zealand Shipping Corporation will be established to develop freight services to traditional and new markets.  2. The Corporation will be authorised to obtain ships by charter and/or purchase, of suitable modern tonnage, to ensure regularity of freight services, especially to prospective markets.  3. The possibility of a joint shipping venture with, say, Australia or one of the South Pacific Basin countries, will be fully investigated.  PRODUCER BOARDS.  1. Without affecting producer representation on Producer Boards, a Labour Government will appoint as its representatives persons experienced in commercial marketing to be members of the Dairy Board, the Meat Board and the Wool Board.  2. One of the Government appointees will be the Chairmen of the Export-import Corporation or his nominee.  Prices and rents. LABOUR believes the consumer is entitled to protection against unreasonable price increase, excessive profit margins and unfair trading practices.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. While the cost of imports has a major bearing on internal costs, every effort will be made by a Labour Government to stabilise costs within the country.  2. Towards this end a Labour Government will provide incentives through tax adjustments to increase productivity, thereby tackling the root cause of price escalation.  3. Government charges which seriously affect production costs such as freight rates, bulk electricity and post and telegraph charges, will not be increased in the first term of a Labour Government.  1. Early legislative action will be taken to expand the financial and physical resources of the Consumer Institute so that it may, in association with a reorganised Price Tribunal and the Distribution Division of the Department of Industries and Commerce, provide adequate facilities to maintain price supervision.  2. Price justification will be retained and expanded with approved price adjustments being adequately publicised.  6. A Labour Government would instruct the trade Practices Commission to conduct an early inquiry into servicing charges such as home appliance repairs, motor vehicle repairs and home maintenance, with a view to establishing with the trades concerned a fair basis for accepted service charges.  RENTS. The serious shortage of housing, plus escalating costs, has led to excessive increases in rents for residential dwellings and left tenants with no protection. Rent Appeal Boards will be established in each District Office of the Department of Labour. The Boards will be empowered to hear appeals and make decisions where either the tenant or landlord consider that the rental terms are unfair.  Railways. There is a real need to strengthen and revitalise the Railways Department to ensure that it can compete favourably with other transport services. Out-moded techniques will be eliminated and plant and rolling stock modernised. The competition then offered will be hard, keen and efficient. New methods and a fresh outlook will bring a new morale and new ideas will bring a prestige service.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. The Railways will be equipped with modern plant and rolling stock to make it capable of being an efficient transport operation. Railway Workshops will be equipped to handle railway needs and will be permitted to contract for other Departmental and private work. Provincial centre workshops will be given opportunities to make greater use of labour and equipment.  2. Improved and extended suburban passenger services will be introduced to ease congestion on roads, parking problems and consequent demands for expenditure to meet these needs.  3. Railway timetables will be adjusted to link with rail ferry and road passenger services.  4. The Department's right to carry goods over limited distances will be protected and thereby safeguard the huge public investment in New Zealand Railways. This will not prevent dispensation in special circumstances.  5. The present policy involving the closure of branch and railcar services will be reviewed. The criteria will be the local interest and usage, not just the isolated profitability of individual operations.  6. 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. The establishment of a housing scheme will be discussed with railway organisations.  7. The railway system has an important part to play in facilitating development. To this end, the industrial development policy provides. Where it can be shown to the satisfaction of the Industrial Finance Corporation that such an industry is substantially disadvantaged in servicing North Island markets by high freight costs, the Railways Department will negotiate a special contract rate for that industry as a means of aiding regional development of industry.  8. Rail freight concessions contracts will be authorised up to 75% for approved industries towards the cartage of finished products to internal markets and export outlets.  9. Goods travelling inter-island by rail will be at a unit rate as if the consignment was for a single rail journey.  10. The image of Railways, will be further strengthened by a beautification programme. Full co-operation of territorial Local Authorities and environmental improvements societies, etc., will be encouraged.  11. Special fare concession rates for pensioners at off-peak times will be extended. (See also social welfare policy).  Science and Research. Scientific and research resources are vital to the growth and development of New Zealand's economic, industrial and social progress. It is essential that the personnel in this field work in an environment which offers them maximum opportunity to use their talents and, at the same time, to take their full share of responsibility in the nation's development.  POLICY DETAILS. Recognising this, Labour will.  1. Ensure that salaries, conditions of work, and research opportunities are so related to those of nations competing for this talent that there will be no undue drain on New Zealand's research potential.  2. Reform the National Research Advisory Council so that it can co-ordinate many of the activities of the D.S.I.R., Scientific Research sections of other Government Departments, Universities and private industry.  3. Review the present balance of resource utilisation to ensure that problems such as the following are fully taken into account:  (a) Market requirements related to research and development.  (b) The specific problems associated with the domestic market.  (c) The increasing importance of processing in depth and consideration of more direct Government inputs.  4. Provide greater opportunities for original research.  5. Recognise the importance of applied science as an investment, in the development of our resources, and expand opportunities which encourage individuals and industry to finance and/or carry out research work in the national interest.  Shipping.  1. New Zealand should not be entirely dependent on overseas interests for the means of import and export. Steps will be taken to reduce the dependence by establishing a New Zealand Shipping Corporation, such Corporation to have the authority to establish a shipping line and to develop freight services to traditional and new markets.  2. The Corporation will be directed by a Board to which representatives of the producer boards, the manufacturers' federation, transport and employee interests will be appointed.  3. The Corporation will be authorised to obtain ships by charter and purchase to participate in any freight service that will assist in developing new markets.  4. Where South Island exporters are disadvantaged either by excessive freight rates or infrequency of service the Corporation will be empowered to ensure alternative services at rates which would offset these disadvantages.  5. Coastal shipping could and should play a greater role in New Zealand's transport industry and a N.Z. Shipping Corporation will be required to examine this potential.  4. A Tug and Barge Service will be instituted by the New Zealand Shipping Corporation to serve New Zealand ports and its off shore islands where necessary and practical.  5. Where Regional Development policy criteria apply, differential freight rates will be granted.  6. Coastal shipping of all types could qualify for a subsidy as set out in Section 8 (a) of Labour's Industrial Development Policy.  7. In association with a special section of the Trade Practices Commission, the Corporation will participate in all freight rate negotiations with overseas shipping interests.  8. Vessels operated by the Corporation will sail under New Zealand articles.  Shipping (containerisation). Modern sea transport should be an integral part of the transport system. Containerisation Zealand coastal shipping. Labour is confident that in the long run and in the interest of the nation it could become one of the most important and economical means of coastal transport. Labour will ensure that the future development of containerisation serves the best interests of New Zealand, not primarily the interests of overseas shipping and road transport combines. The policy is designed to:  1. Safeguard the economic interests of those areas which are likely to be seriously affected by the loss of trade trough the centralisation of container shipping.  2. Protect the interests of workers employed at the intermediate ports.  3. Serves the needs of primary, secondary and commercial interests.  4. Make provision for the Unit Loading where it is desirable.  5. Construct the ship’s barges and containers, in New Zealand by New Zealanders.  Social Security Monetary Benefits. LABOUR believes that benefits should be sufficient to enable beneficiaries to live in dignity and comfort.  POLICY DETAILS. Labour will:  1. Conduct a thorough nation-wide investigation into the actual living costs incurred by single and married beneficiaries.  2. Ensure that the value of benefits is more properly related to the level of wages and salaries, and is maintained by:  (i) Establishing a special cost of living index which will record the actual living costs of beneficiaries.  (ii) Adjusting all means test benefits every six months so that they keep pace with any upward movement in the special pensioners' cost of living index.  1. Retired people often derive physical and financial benefit from casual employment. To enable beneficiaries to enjoy reasonable opportunities to undertake casual work cuts made in allowable income that were announced in the 1972 Budget will be revoked. The allowable income for means test beneficiaries will be increased: As an initial step the allowable income will be restored to its pre Budget level.  2. Make available supplementary assistance where additional financial assistance is required.  3. Make means test benefits available to all New Zealand citizens.  4. Pay benefits fortnightly.  5. Adjust sickness benefits so that where both the husband and wife have been in full-time employment for at least 12 months, a single benefit will be paid up to a maximum of three months, if either becomes ill.  6. Pay the sickness benefit from the first day off work where the time lost is one week or more.  7. Amend the Social Security Act 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. (See Care of the Aged.)  8. Pay an allowance to age and other means test, beneficiaries equal to one-half of the telephone rental.  9. Pay an allowance equal to half of the television licence fee to age and other means test beneficiaries who pay licence fees or become yearly rental subscribers.  10. Offer special travel concessions for pensioners and their wives on State operated rail, road and inter-island ferry services.  11. Establish a comprehensive wage related contributory superannuation scheme.  12. Grant Merchant Navy men of the First World War a war service pension.  13. Where circumstances warrant, permit the full family benefit to be capitalised and raise the present limit of $2000 to a more realistic level. The upper basic income eligibility level and the maximum that can be capitalised will be reviewed every six months and adjusted with wage and salary movements. (See Section 3, Housing Policy.)  14. Increase the maximum advances for the repairs and maintenance of homes.  15. Introduce a rates rebate scheme. (See section on Local Government.)  Social Welfare. The aim of LABOURS social welfare policy is to ensure that everyone has equality of opportunity to develop and live the fullest life in responsible caring communities. While recognising the importance of monetary benefits and adequacy of income, the LABOUR PARTY’S policy is designed to give a new emphasis to the quality of fife to reach beyond the matter of mere financial provisions to social and cultural fulfilment. It aims to promote stronger communities for the prevention of social problems. This will mean:  Greater assistance and encouragement for social security beneficiaries who wish to work. Supporting and greatly strengthening the voluntary agencies. Provision of more opportunities for community participation in social welfare. Placing help where it is needed. Provision of training for all social workers. Extensive use of social research. Labour recognises that a bold programme adequately financed is needed to provide basic requirements for social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities. (There will be a Ministry of Recreation and Sport established: see Environment.) A Labour Government will substantially increase Government expenditure in this field, 12 million per annum is needed, and $16 million would not be too much. The amount will be progressively increased to approximately one quarter of l% of G.N.P. This will increase the money available in the form of grants, subsidies and other assistance to voluntary organisations at present making such a fine contribution in this field and also to provide for new projects. Special emphasis will be given to newly developing areas and to those lacking adequate social and cultural amenities through a physical welfare and cultural branch of the Ministry. ALabour Government will establish: a Social Welfare Council to coordinate State social welfare and the voluntary agencies, with provision for regional and district participation by citizens. The services provided by the Social Welfare Department will be expanded to include community organisation work, recreational guidance, group workers to make direct contact with gangs, family counsellors to provide support for families in crisis.  THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES. A Labour Government will make available: Grants in aid to community agencies which will be encouraged to maintain their independence and voluntary character and to provide for greater co-ordination with State social work. (See also Care of the Aged, Youth Work Section, Training for Social Workers.)  RESEARCH. A Labour Government will:  1. Make funds available to provide facilities and co-ordinate social research.  2. Foster social research by Government Departments, universities, technical institutes, voluntary agencies and other groups.  TRAINING FOR ALL SOCIAL WORKERS. A Labour Government will:  1. Increase university facilities for courses in social science.  2. Provide facilities for social work training at Polytechs.  3. Increase support for existing youth training schemes.  4. Establish more places for staff from voluntary agencies at Government training establishments.  CARE OF THE AGED. A Labour Government will:  1. Extend meals on wheels, linen and other domiciliary services, and provide within the home the necessary aids such as handgrips, ramps, etc., where the need exists.  2. Pay benefits to persons who care at home for relatives who would otherwise have to be admitted to a medical institution.  3. Encourage a greater variety of accommodation for old people: Grant subsidies and loans for people to add to their homes to care for aged relatives. Provide movable living quarters adjacent to existing buildings at low rental where sufficient land is available to enable families to care for their elderly relatives. Make the necessary assistance available for those who own a family home and are unable to maintain it to invest in alternative home ownership accommodation. Increase subsidies for pensioner housing which is integrated with the community.  4. Encourage the establishment of life care residential schemes.  5. Provide generous Government subsidies to make available accommodation for the aged. The basis of the Government subsidy will be either:  (a) 90% of the total cost or  (b) 100% of the cost of the building, in which case land and furniture will be the responsibility of the organisation.  1. Increase subsidies for the alteration of existing institutions, to allow more adequate care of the frail, the aged and the infirm. Provide maintenance subsidies for institutions caring for the more disabled.  2. Provide a sufficient number of geriatric, long-stay beds in all general hospitals to meet the need.  3. Review the old people's homes legislation to ensure that adequate standards of accommodation, qualified staff and regular inspection are maintained.  4. Increase the payment of subsidies on behalf of elderly or invalid persons in old people's homes in order to eliminate any financial hardship. Out-of-pocket allowances for beneficiaries in such homes will be increased sufficiently for their recreational and personal needs.  IMPROVEMENTS IN URBAN ENVIRONMENT. A Labour Government will:  1. Make grants in aid available for social services and facilities wherever they are needed.  2. Place special emphasis on health, diet and community education.  3. Take steps to ensure that those immigrating are better prepared for the New Zealand environment.  4. Extend support for the development of family advisory services.  SUPPORT FOR YOUTH WORK. A Labour Government will:  1. Provide help for youth clubs to develop recreational activities and to recruit and train leaders.  2. Offer recreational guidance through the department of Social Welfare where needed.  3. Encourage, group social workers to operate directly with gangs.  CARE OF THE CHILD. A Labour Government will:  1. Provide an advisory service which will enable a variety of child care facilities to be made available.  2. Provide for the increased use of local school facilities for cultural, recreational and educational purposes outside school hours.  3. Grant subsidies for the establishment of childcare centres and training of qualified staff and help approved organisations that are expanding, into childcare work.  4. Undertake a complete revision of the Child Welfare Act.  COMMUNITY CARE FOR THE HANDICAPPED. A Labour Government will:  1. Place particular emphasis on rehabilitation and retraining where required to facilitate participation in fruitful activity.  2. Expand support to voluntary organisations concerned with care of the physically and intellectually handicapped.  3. Aid families caring for handicapped children and adults.  4. Co-ordinate and extend home, help services for the handicapped.  5. Encourage establishment of a variety of small residential units for temporary and permanent care.  6. Support the development of diagnostic and advice day care centres to, assist parents of. intellectually handicapped children.  7. Grant assistance with transportation.  8. Ensure that building codes enable accessibility and mobility.  9. Ensure that walking frames, etc., are made available freely on medical advice.  10. Provide financial assistance for the provision of sheltered workshops and the training of the necessary staff.  11. Assist in the establishment of short stay rest homes for mothers who have been under medical care.  Tourism. LABOUR'S objective will be to make every New Zealander a potential tourist, seeing his own country first, and to put the utmost vigour into promoting New Zealand as a tourist attraction.  POLICY DETAILS. To this end Labour will:  1. Promote and encourage a bold policy of reducing off-season rates and fares without lowering Standards, so maintaining occupancy rates and maximum use of expensive capital resources.  2. Encourage the provision of low-cost, family type accommodation at holiday resorts, whether by private, public, or local body enterprise.  3. Review the Standards attached to licensed premises for all present needs and ensure that satisfactory hotel and restaurant facilities are available to the family man at modest prices.  4. Enlarge the operational scope of the Tourist Hotel Corporation and give it opportunities to compete with private enterprise in urban and other areas where more hotel accommodation is required.  5. Ensure that the recognised tourist routes throughout New Zealand are adequately equipped to attend to the needs, not only of the tourists who now come to New Zealand, but also the numbers likely to be attracted in the near future by "jumbo" jet aircraft.  6. Facilitate the entry of tourists to New Zealand by a review of Customs and Visa requirements; and co-ordinate overseas publicity with other operators in the Pacific basin to persuade tourists already attracted to the area to extend their travel to New Zealand.  7. Integrate existing public and private travel and tourist agencies into a co-ordinated system to improve forward and alternative bookings.  8. Give aid to small tourist centres with a heavy influx of visitors during holiday periods, so that they can cope with what would otherwise be overcrowding.  9. Establish more training courses for those engaged in the tourist industry and continually confer with management and workers representatives to make entry to it and working conditions in it more attractive.  10. Make tourism a major ministerial responsibility.  WARD BATHS.  11. Labour believes that the Ward Baths have been, and continue to be a valued public amenity for both Rotorua and New Zealand people accordingly, a Labour Government will:  (a) Undertake an investigation into the leasing of the Baths to private interests.  (b) Ensure that the spirit and good will which lay behind the gift of the land by the Ngati Whakaue people to the Crown, is both acknowledged and restored and  (c) Ensure suitable arrangements be made for the Baths to be readily available to all who wish to use them.  NATIONAL PARKS  12. The future development of tourist accommodation facilities in National Parks, for example Waikaremoana, will be the sole responsibility of the Tourist Hotel Corporation.  Transport. Expenditure on transport in all its forms counts for more than one third of New Zealand's gross national product. Consumer expenditure on transportation is about one tenth of the total consumer expenditure. As such, it is the most important single element in our economy. There is an urgent need to co-ordinate and improve all aspects of the carriage of passengers and goods.  POLICY DETAILS.  1. The Transport Advisory Council will be restructured to represent all sections of transport, including employee organisations.  2. The Council will meet at regular intervals, either as a whole or in specialised subcommittees.  3. The Council will be authorised to  (a) Study and recommend ways of co-ordinating and rationalising goods and passenger services by road, rail, sea and air.  (b) Discuss with the National Roads Board measures to promote freer traffic movements 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 they have satisfactory integrated transport services.  1. The findings and recommendations of the Council will be reported to the Minister at regular intervals.  2. Further co-operation and co-ordination of services between private road, service passenger operators and New Zealand Railways Road Services, will be encouraged.  TRANSPORT LICENSING.  1. The Transport licensing system will be streamlined.  2. The Transport Licensing Sections of the Transport Act will be reviewed to ensure the optimum use of capital plant and equipment and to encourage existing licensees to attain maximum efficiency in their operations.  3. The exemption from licence fees for certain classes of vehicle used by local authorities will be restored.  RENTAL VEHICLE SERVICES. Labour will introduce adequate controls on rental vehicle companies operating in New Zealand to ensure that the country gains the maximum benefit by way of overseas funds.  ROAD SAFETY.  1. In the interests of Road Safety the Transport Act will be amended to preclude Licensing Authorities from issuing rental bus licences for vehicles requiring heavy trade licences.  2. Motor vehicles written off by Insurance Companies trough fire or accident damage will not be relicensed without the written authority of the Vehicle Licensing Inspector.