LABOUR CAMPAIGN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 89, 13 July 1943, Page 5

LABOUR CAMPAIGN

MR D. HILL AT EDGECUMBE THE TAURANGA CONTEST ! Nearly 80 people attended the political. meeting at Edgecumbe last Wednesday evening to hear the. Labour candidate, Mr Dudley Hill. In introducing the speaker Mr Alexander who presided, mentioned that Mr Hill was taking advantage of a week's furlough to meet the people of his electorate. The chairman explained the Government's reasons for holding the election. Mr Hill then mentioned his previous trip to Edgccumbe 18 months ago and said he was glad, to be back meeting old friends again. He then dealt briefly with the war effort stating that other countries had acclaimed. it the best-in the world. New Zealand he said was defenceless in 1935 and the Government! had built up a splendid, war machine in a remarkably short time. Only one body was capable of the organisation of war in any country and that was the Government of the day. War Training Credit was due to them, roads, bridges, aerodromes and, camps had been attended to in a remarkably short time and our men had shown that they could use their equipment very effectively. Mr Hill quoted American and English authorities at this stage. He then dealt with rehabilitation and gave the Government assurance that everything possible was already being done to help our returned men in every way to fit themselves back into civilian life. Social Security The Social Security Act. he claimed was a piece of legislation that would go* down in history as the. beginning of a new order. Again Mr Hill quoted the opinion of other countries, stating that our own press was strangely short of praise. phase of this wonderful acthad been fought bitterly by the Nationalists, but he doubted whether they would dare have it repealed. He enumerated the benefits under the scheme. Mr Hill then mentioned the wonderful, efforts made by the workers of this country and quoted Mr Churchill who had said "Trade Unions must develop to ensuie the security and happiness of the people as a whole."

Position of Farmers Farming problems were tackled extensively, particularly -with regard to the guaranteed price. He urged the farmers to give constructive criticism through their union The main worry to-daj'' he said, was rising costs and the Government was determined to stabilise these at the 1938/39 level, the year when the guai anteed price had been based. The farmers he said could demand a rise in the guaranteed price, if tilings got too tough, but no amount of demand would avail against TooIcy Street. Housing The housing scheme was then discussed and Mr HiM gave the opinion of many overseas visitors, that the schcme. was a miracle" of achievement. The tenants he said had shown their appreciation by the pride they in enhancing their grounds. Besides houses for rental 8000 loans had been granted for people to build their own houses and the Government had outlined for £4,000,000 to be spent on homes for ex-servicemen. Looking to Future Mr Hill, concluded by saying that the sacrifice of our boys should not be. in vain. He urged those present to look to the future for a better order and to see that those who are playing the biggest part in this Mar, namely the workers should reap the benefits of the riches of the lands they had fought for rather than hand it back to the few privileged ones who bled them--dry and failed to ; provide for'their defence. Several questions were asked .and dealt with to the satisfaction of all present.