LABOUR CRITICISED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 151, 8 April 1930, Page 5

LABOUR CRITICISED.

MR COATES AT HASTINCS. \ (Per Press Association.) NAPIER, April 7. A speech of great forcefulness, in quite his best vein, was delivered by Mr J. G. Coates to an audience of Reform supporters at Hastings this evening. Mr Coates said that he personally and his party were determined to refrain from active campaigning against the Prime Minister while Sir Joseph Ward was incapacitated through illness and: did not intend to take any advantage that might savour of bad sportsmanship. Mr Coates went on to criticise Labour’s actions and policy, and said that Labour was entirely responsible for the present unsatisfactory condition of politics. They had voted against their own principles and now had got into difficulties from which they would find it difficult to extricate themselves.

A particularly pointed statement made by Mr Coates was that in a statement Mr Holland made on February 2 last as being Labour’s land and taxation policy, there were three points which were merely summaries of the amendments moved by Reform last session against the United land and taxation proposals and unanimously voted against by Labour. Mr Coates outlined the Reform land and taxation policy .and criticised Labour’s actions and policy with particular reference to nationalisation and Socialism, and condemned the United railway policy. He made a fine and comprehensive speech, and was given a splendid reception.