Lessen the Ripoff

While the second motion explains itself, it is necessary to explain the meaning of the words "redistribution of wealth" and "fairer distribution of wealth". They may conjure up in some minds visions of heavily increased taxation and greater Government handouts at the lower end of the social scale. While such transfers are clearly necessary. Values Party policy stresses the decentralisation of Government. In the line with this Terry pointed out that redistribution lends to mean greatly increased total worker control over particular means of production, diminishing the importance of the rip-off capitalist.

To the hard liners of the left wing, such notions may appear as liberal or token socialism. But it is a lot more than token — Values is to a large extent still working out us specific goal and policies and from this basis can debate many policies it now has, and use it as a guide for future developments. As one delegate said "This is basic to the philosophy of the party".

Other delegates were not so impressed with the motions. Two proposed that the matter was ill-thought out and should be referred to the newly formed regional council, which was established after an hours debate, ten minutes of which was spent on arguing the merits of alternative names — forum, council, or executive?

Jesus! What will the Bourgeoise think of next...

Smother Attempt

The idea that motions be referred to the council was an obvious move to have the concept smothered in paper work. It is vital that the rank and file of the Values Party maintain a careful watch on the machinations of power in the council, to ensure that similar initiatives are not stifled. Earlier on in the meeting the Education Policy group was criticised for issuing a press statement critical of the Minister of Educations pronouncement on school leaving age, drawing attention particularly to the potentially repressive nature of the 'maturity' requirement. The critic felt that the statement should have been vetted by the Regional Co-ordinator to which position Tony Brunt was elected, (much to general surprise) presumably to make it less radical. This is another tendency that must he watched carefully. There is room for informed co-ordination between similar groups and there should he no 'redrawing' of press statements by the Regional Co-ordinator or anyone else, save with the agreement of the policy group.

Support Waning?

Vague reports were heard from many of the policy groups, all of whom were experiencing difficulty maintaining interest and involvement in the group's activities. The anti-high rise development group however showed great progress in its movement towards slopping such monstrosities as the Williams Holdings and the BNZ 31 storey buildings.

To return to the major part of the evening however — it must be stressed that this is only a beginning — the Values Party is only in its early stages. To continue its growth into what it hopes to be — a movement towards a better quality of life, as well as a political party, much depends on the quality of the membership joining within the next few months.