MR HOLLAND THANKS ELECTORS

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26516, 3 September 1951, Page 6

MR HOLLAND THANKS ELECTORS

“Justice For All And Privilege For None” (New Zealand Press Assoctatton) WELLINGTON, September 2. “My feelings are of gratitude, obligation, and responsibilty,” said the Prime Minister (Mr Holland) addressing the nation last night when the result of the General Election became known. He spoke from a room in the General Post Office after watching for about an hour the telegraphed results being posted on to a special election chart. Mr Holland said that the election meant that the National Party Government had been confirmed in office after 21 months’ administration, and it had been given a mandate on the specific issues on which it went to the country. “In the name of all my colleagues I pledge the Government to continue its administration for the welfare of all sections of the people, with justice for all and privilege for none,’’ he said.

Mr Holland added: “Bearing in mind the great responsibility that has been cast upon us, we will never for a moment lose sight of our duty to those who have trusted us with their votes. As custodians of the people's rights and privileges we have been elected to serve the people and not to dominate them; to give them the maximum freedom that is consistent with the rights of others, and to maintain, and where possible to increase, the standards of living which are enjoyed in this out-post of our Empire. “Remembering our international obligations it will be our constant determination to do everything in our power l in co-operation with the Motherland to strengthen the bonds of Empire and of Commonwealth and to help to advance still further the great power for good that the British Empire has always been. The common bonds of kinship bind us closely together, and in our trade, our culture, and our way of life, and in the means of defending it we will at all times co-oper-ate closely with the United Kingdom. Relations With Other Nations “At the same time we must develop friendly relations and understanding with those freedom-loving countries with which we have so much in common. "There is nothing inconsistent or incompatible with our obligations to our own Empire in the development of strong and friendly relations with the United States of America, France, and other freedom-loving countries with whom we have for so long maintained the closest friendship. j ¥ “I should like to express to the electors of Fendalton my grateful thanks for the great honour they have done me in re-electing me as their member. My duties during the election campaign have taken me from one end of the country to the other, and I have been unable to speak in my own electorate.

ters and throughout every centre in New Zealand. Nothing could be finer than the work they have done this day, and I hope they will feel that we of the Parliamentary party are deeply grateful for all they have done. "To all those electors who honoured the National Party with their support I express my sincere thanks. Those who did not vote for us can accept, my assurance as the leader of the Government that we shall continue the administration of the country’s affairs fairly and with justice to all, regardless of party politics. “To the newspapers of New Zealand I offer special thanks for the great deal of space they have given us, so that all of us have been able to communicate our views to the people. “To the Rt, Hon. Mr Nash, the Leader of His Majesty’s Opposition, I extend my sincere compliments. We disagree on some political matters, but we are personal friends and respect each other’s viewpoint. He as the leader of his party has fought a good campaign, and I thank him for it. "He and I have of necessity had to exchange views during the course of the campaign, and I wish to acknowledge that he has extended to me every consideration and courtesy. He and I will, no doubt, continue to disagree on some matters in Parliament, but we each have an important duty to perform, and we will at all times, I am sure, respect each other’s point of view and responsibilities. "It is a great thing that under our democratic system two parties can go to the country and place their views before the people for endorsement or rejection as the case may be, and that the decision of the people will always be accepted with good grace.

“Issues Clear Cut” “The issues in this election have been clear cut. They have not been confused by side issues or third parties. The Government was challenged to submit its administration during the period of the recent industrial crisis to the judgment of the people. It accepted that challenge, and the people have expressed their judgment on the issues involved in a positive and unmistakable manner. "The Government asked for endorsement of its management of the recent strike. It sought authority from the people to strengthen our laws to prevent a recurrence, if possible, and to remove as far as possible some of the regrettable features that were conspicuous during the recent trouble.

“I extend my most grateful thanks to my electorate committee and to all those friends and helpers who have so loyally helped during this campaign when I could not be with them personally.

“I should also like to express my very sincere thanks to Mr Alex McKenzie, the Dominion president of the National Party, to the Dominion Council, divisional chairmen, executives, electorate committees, our wonderful women’s organisation, and the splendid junior section of our party for the wonderful work they have done. All this has been a great inspiration to those of us who have benefited from their devotion to a common cause. “In the three weeks' election campaign when I visited many electorates I was deeply impressed by the enthusiasm and devotion of the members of that great organisation of the National Party, comprising as it does people in all walks of life in town and country and in all occupations and callings, and to them I express my deep gratitude. Party Organisation Thanked “My special thanks go to Mr T. G. Wilkes, our Dominion secretary, and I to his fine organisation at headquar-

“However, a third and possibly more important and far-reaching consequence of to-day’s election is that the people have declared at a secret ballot that they wished their elected Government to govern and they will' stand behind it in ensuring that the rule of force is not allowed to replace the rule of law, that the demo-cratically-elected representatives of the people are not to be over-ridden bv any group of people, no matter what power they may be able to wield.

“I should just like to say that my colleagues and I sincerely hope, now

that the issue has been decided so convincingly, that all sections of our community will now get on with the job, drop recriminations, and let us all work together for the common good of our beloved land. The welfare of all our people, and especially those of our working folk, will be advanced much further if we can develop our resources in an atmosphere of goodwill, harmony and understanding.

Departments Congratulated “I wish to offer my warm congratulations to the Electoral Department, the Post and Telegraph Department, the Broadcasting Service, and all other departments concerned for the remarkably efficient service both in the conduct of the poll and in the rapid communication of the result to the people—nothing could be finer. “I shall refrain from commenting on any individual results until the final counts are available, but I thank all our fine team of candidates for the splendid campaign they have conducted. As much, if not more credit belongs to those who have not been successful than to those of us who have succeeded, for they have had to -'ontest the more difficult seats. Theirs has a most valuable contribution. “A s I said on November 30. 1949, my collea"ues and I dedicate ourselves to the service of our People, and we again seek divine guidance in the discharge of our great responsibility-and orportunitv. in which, please God, we shall not fall "