30 July 2014

Democrats for Social Credit Party celebrates 60 years

Monetary reformers from across New Zealand will celebrate the Democrats for Social Credit Party’s (DSC) 60th anniversary at its annual conference at Quality Hotel Elms in Christchurch this weekend.

The Party began as a social credit movement in the 1920s, based on the theories of Major C.H. Douglas. Effective lobbyists in their day, the early social crediters heavily influenced the policies of the first Labour government in 1935. It was through social credit mechanisms that the state houses, bridges, roads, schools, and hospitals were built and New Zealand was lifted out of the Great Depression.

As the country recovered the government reverted to colonial economics, and social crediters saw the need for parliamentary representation to ensure the long term implementation of their policies. The Social Credit Political League was formed and fought its first election in 1954 with a full slate of 79 candidates under the leadership of Wilfrid Owen, a Christchurch businessman.

The DSC is New Zealand’s third oldest political party. It has fought every general election and most by-elections since 1954. The Party gained widespread support under the leadership of Bruce Beetham whose charismatic personality engaged voters and led to electoral success, gaining 21% in 1981 under the first-past-the-post electoral system.

The Party stands for a better deal for all New Zealanders through changing the way our financial system is owned and operated: getting rid of GST in favour of a financial transaction tax, Kiwi ownership of who prints our money, and a basic income to eradicate poverty and support businesses.

Colin J Whitmill, President of the Council for Economic and Fiscal Alternatives, has travelled from England to open the conference on Saturday morning. Press gallery veteran and freelance journalist Neale McMillan of SOPAC News will give the keynote address on Saturday afternoon.

The DSC’s campaign launch on Sunday morning will include the Leader’s Address at 11.30 am.

ENDS

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