WORK REVIEWED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 224, 22 September 1938, Page 14

WORK REVIEWED.

LABOUR IN POWER.

NATIONALISTS CRITICISED.

MR. A. S. RICHARDS HITS OUT,

A review of the achievements of the Labour party during its three years of office and a trenchant criticism of the National party policy were the highlights ~f his opening address in the election campaign by Mr. A. S. Richards, candidate in the Government interests for Roskill. last night. The King George's Hall at Mount Albert was crowded and there was standing room only at the rear before the candidate commenced his address, about 000 people being present. Mr. H. A. Anderson, Mayor of Mount Albert, was in the chair. There was a fairly rowdy clement at the back of the hall and the candidate was heckled early in his speech, but the interrupters dwindled down to a determined person whom Mr. Richards referred to as "the budgie." But all was reasonably goodhumoured, ami the candidate was given an attentive hearing. The speaker said that actually New Zealand was the second lightest taxed country in the world. Out of MBB.OOO adults in the Dominion there were only T-'I.IMIO who had to pay income tax. The year before the Labour party took office the average income per heod per year was tT.-l. Two years later, under' the progies-ive policy of Labour, the average income had increased to £104 a person. £40 a Head Increase. "This represents an increase of £40 a head—a •»<» per cent rise in two years," said Mr. Richards, amid tumultuous applause. Dealing further with the question of taxation, the candidate said that what small increase had been imposed was merely a matter of expediency and wats not a permanent feature. When it was considered that an invalidity pension— the best scheme in tbe world—increased old-age pensions and easier access to benefits had been introduced under a humanitarian Labour Government, no one could complain, more especially as the general standard of living had risen immeasurably. (Applause.) Mr. Richards said that though the general taxation yield had increased, the incomes of the prosperous firms of the Dominion had in-

creased by f 4.-1,000,000. If the taxation were deducted, there was still a surplus of £34,000.000 in their favour. Out of thi £11.250,000 realised £10.(100.000 had to be sent nwav to pay J tie debt put on the country bv'previous j non-Labour Governments. There was no question of the Labour party having interfered with private enterprise, as the increased profit* of the business section of the country showed. "And as far as the great mass of people are concerned, we stand for a more equitable distribution of wealth on the grounds that those who work are entitled to an ever-increasing share of what they produce as the output of production grows," said Mr. Richards. Ironi ISO.", to 1937 the interest bill paid to investors overseas amounted to the colossal sum of £204.7.->. : J.200 the candidate continued, in criticising' the sins of previous Governments. It was also interesting, he said, to realise that when the Labour party had been returned to power in New Zealand the people were short of 43,000 houses, the Coalition Government having built onlv 11 in its last year of office. The Labour Government had already built 3000 and waa hurrying on to complete an ambitious but sound housing echeme. Nationalists Criticised. ■ Criticising the statements made by t the Hon. Adam Hamilton that he did »m , ?i e * d .i 0 ° Ut wages Mr - Kidiards said tbat there was evidently a split m the eamn, because Nationalist speakers m the south had suggested that many workers were prepared to accept lower wages and work longer hours, realising that it was to the benefit of industry and themselves. (L,oud and prolonged laughter.) "That's what I call letting the cat out of the bag, said the candidate. "I claim that we have benefited all sections of the community," Mr Richards continued, in pointing out that production value had increased by over 8 per cent. The National income rose in the first two years of Labour ip-'ile by £78,000,000. The savings of the people had risen by £7,000 000there were 2",91 more shops; shop assistants had increased by 11.759; factories were more numerous by 1125, the number of factory workers being greater by 21.27(5, and apprentices were greater by 4304. These increases, he added, must be compared with severe decreases before the advent of Labour to the Treasury Benches. Arguing that it was possible to sustain a generally high standard of living despite a fall in prices on the world markets, Mr. Richards said, "In spite of the drop in the price of wool, New Zealand's prosperity is greater than it was last year. A nation does not prosper on what it exports, but on what it consumes. "Not Afraid of Socialism." "I'm not afraid of Socialism," Mr. Richards went on. "If Socialism means, as many people can tell you, that the State Fire Insurance Company has saved the people of -the Dominion £13,800.000. then why should we be afraid of Socialism? " Those who rail against Socialism would be the first to urge the socialisation of man-power to defend the country in the event of war."

He went on to review what be stated was Socialist legislation introduced by successive Governments since 1804. The outstanding piece of Socialist legislation introduced bv the Labour party was the Reserve Bank Act, which had been instrumental in reducing interest rates. He claimed that the National party could not and would not repeal many of the alleged Socialist laws in force, because they were in the interests of tbe people generally. It was only the old cry of "Wolf! wolf!" to frighten people.

A vote of thanks and confidence in the candidate, with a rider congratulating the Government on its achievements waa carried by acclamation, with a weak chorus of "Noes" at the back of the hall.