"The Conservative Party's 15-point platform has-been under study and in preparation for some considerable time. Much of it has been-foi-in ulated by our candidates who, in turn, represent the people of their dis- tricts. This is not only our program. but yours. It carries with it our solemn assurance that when elected this program shall speedily be put into effect. V

"We feel this progressive program goes a long way toward correct- ing the many injustices and iniqnlties under which ourpeople live at this time. We bring it forward for your serious consideration. We sincerely believe it will merit your support!

E. R. BELL, LEADER

The Progressive Conservative Party of Prince Edward Island

I. soon GOVERNMENT

We believe that the greatest need of our people is a government devoted entirely and unselfishly to their wol- fare. We will eliminate the undemocratic control and in- fluence of political party friends on public proiects. We will ensure proper leadership of every government depart- ment b appointing Ministers of the Crown who will give their fuil time to their departmental responsibilities.

2. AGRICULTURAL ASSISTANCE

In view of the continuing exodus from our farms and the conditions of financial distress evident among many of our farmers. the Conservative Party will initiate a farm credit and farm settlement policy. similar to the Province of Quebec. providing loans at low interest rates with long per- iods allowed for repayment.

We believ-e it is vital that your Government set up a progressive policy which will improve transportation serv- ices and develop new markets. especially.in Newfoundland and other Maritime centres.

3. RURAL ELECTRIFICATION

We will introduce a vigorous and realistic policy of rural electrification which will:

Iel speed up the running of lines to rural areas. with special consideration given to isolated areas and.

lb) we will bring power lines to the yard of the year- round rural consumer free of cost.

The Guardlan. Saturday May 21. 1955 Page 9

5 PINTROGRAM FOR BETTER GOVERNMENT

AND A BETTER PROVINCE

4. FISHERIES

The Fisheries Loan Board will be administered by a non-political body and a new policy will be established which will provide low interest, long term loans according to individual need and merit for buildings and all fishing equipment. Special consideration under this policy will be given to inshore fishermen.

We will bring pressure to bear upon the proper authori- ties to make a proper survey of harbors in localities where our fishermen are desirous of procuring draggers.

Your Conservative Government will assist and encour- age the establishment of refrigerator and storage facilities in our fishing centres.

5. EDUCATION

All thinking people are concerned by unsettled situa- tion in the educational field of this Province. We will ap- point a strong independent commission to inquire into and make recommendations on the following: I

lal the lack of sufficient enrollments for teacher training.

lb) -the need to provide free school books up to cen- tral grades. '

lcl the present inadequacy of teacher salaries,

ldl the elimination of the confused system of school financing.

This Commission has been strongly recommended by the Teachers' Federation and similar Commissions have al- ready been established in the Province of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. '

6. OLD AGE PENSIONS INCREASE

Your Consrvative Government will pay to those now receiving Old Age Pensions from the Federal Government an additional provincial grant in all cases of need. Because of the continued increase in the cost of living we feel strong- Iy that this action is essential to the welfare and security of our older citizens.

7. HOSPITAL BENEFITS

Until such time as the Federal authority and the Prov- ince can institute a contributory hospital and sickness pro- gram, a Conservative Government will make every effort to assist those in obvious and dire need.

We propose immediately to make hospital and medical care free of charge for all mothers who are presently re- ceiving Mothers' Allowance from the Provincial Govern- ment.

DISABILITY PENSIONS WITHOUT MEANS TEST

A Conservative Government will speed up the Provin- cial Government's sadly lagging administration of the Fed- orally assisted disability pension program.

We will abolish the means test provisions now a part of the Provincial Government's program.

COINETENT DIRECTION

Health services shall be maintained and increased in coniunction with the Federal Government and under the direction of an active. competent Minister.

Go AHEAD!

s. HIGHWAYS

We will hasten the completion of the Trans-Canada Highway. We will introduce a more vigorous program for the maintenance and re-surfacing of present hard surface highways and for the paving of connecting roads to vil- Iages. Secondary roads will be graded and gravelled to carry Fall and Spring traffic. Consideration will be given to providing assistance for paving road; in villages,

We will also undertake an immediate and complete re- organization of the Department of Public Works to obtain greater efficiency. A

9. VEHICLE LICENSING

We will make a complete examination of the vehicle licensing system, with a view to introducing more fair and equitable license fees to motor vehicle owners.

I0. TOURIST DEVELOPMENT

Tourist improvement loans will be granted to all oper- ators in the industry on a fair and equitable basis. having re- gard for the overall development of the industry throughout our Province.

TI. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

Industrial Development will be promoted in keeping with our markets and sound business practice. Govern- ment loans under an independent Board will be available for the production of quality products and to aid unemployment so evident on Prince Edward Island in I954 and I955. A progressive policy will be inaugurated to develop markets for our products in the Maritimes and points adiaccnt there- to andyto regain our Newfoundland market. so badly neg- lected of late years by Liberal Governments.

'12. HELP to MUNICIPALITIES

Town and villages will receive increased assistance for public works and special attention will be directed to those centres requiring water works. sewerage and fire equip- ment.

13. R-AILWAY services

Your Conservative Government will fight for Improv- ed railway services so that there will be no curtailment of the present service or laying off of railway employees."

I4. LABOUR

Your Conservative Party deplores the lack of govern- ment concern for organized labor in this Province. On elec- tion, we will forthwith appoint a Minister of Labour. with an assistant from organized labour and will modernize the Trade Union Act in keeping with the Acts of other Provinces.

I5. FEDERAL CLAIMS '

In order to provide additional revenue for the Province for the many needed services. we will energetically press our claims to the Federal Government for increased sub- sidies and payriients and in particular for those sums iustly due to Prince Edward Island in lieu of western and northern Crown lands.

VOTE son coon GOVERNMENT VOTE CONSERVATIVE

MAY 25th

' am:-I-.-4 by In Proneeatve ememnve mm.