Mr E. G. Crockett ‘more Drainage Money Needed’ (Press, 21 October 1975)

Mr E. G. Crockett, the Social Credit candidate contesting for the Lyttelton electorate in 1975, has outlined his priorities for the region, highlighting the need for improved drainage in the hill areas and a well-managed container port to avoid labour issues. This marks Mr Crockett's first candidacy; he is a former commercial pilot turned administration officer for a plumbing firm in Christchurch. At 31, he is married with two children. Mr Crockett has expressed concern about the current challenges faced by the Drainage Board, citing insufficient government funding as a significant obstacle. He argues that effective drainage solutions cannot be achieved without proper town planning in the hilly regions, suggesting that haphazard housing developments are exacerbating stormwater drainage problems. He believes a planned approach is crucial for addressing these issues. On the topic of the container port, Mr Crockett emphasises the importance of a methodical strategy that aligns with Social Credit policies. He endorses the port's development while warning that labour relations should be handled carefully to prevent conflicts. He proposes forming industrial councils that include all waterfront workers, granting them a voice in port operations and a stake in profits. In addition to these local concerns, Mr Crockett has laid out his broader policy proposals. He advocates for housing loans at a 3 per cent interest rate, determined by the borrower's repayment capacity, and seeks the abolition of the compulsory superannuation scheme, proposing instead a voluntary system with pension eligibility beginning at age 60 for men and 55 for women. He has voiced his opposition to the White Paper on health introduced by Mr McGuigan, arguing it could lead to a shortage of doctors and restrict patient choice regarding healthcare providers and facilities. In education, Mr Crockett supports the retention of both State and private schools, proposing financial assistance for parents who choose private education, amounting to half the cost of sending a child to a State school. This funding would also support the operational costs of private institutions. On social matters, Mr Crockett calls for clearer laws regarding abortion, stating he does not support abortion on demand but believes existing regulations could be more transparent. He expresses his intention to legalise consensual homosexual acts for adults over 18, although he insists on stringent penalties for any attempts to influence minors. Committed to eradicating discrimination against women, he endorses the initiatives put forth in the Parliamentary Select Committee’s report on women's societal roles. Finally, Mr Crockett references fiscal policies of Social Credit to fund his proposals. He presents an optimistic view, asserting that New Zealand's overseas deficit, as a percentage of gross national product, is the lowest since 1967. He suggests withdrawing from the International Monetary Fund to reduce reliance on loan repayments, advocating for a barter system for international trade to facilitate direct exchanges of goods between nations.

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