Mr Nash Confident Of Election Victory

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28445, 27 November 1957, Page 14

Mr Nash Confident Of Election Victory

For a man of 75 years near the end of a strenuous General Election campaign that has taken toll of the energies of a number of candidates, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nash) shows remarkable resilience. Mr Nash flew into Christchurch late yesterday afternoon full of charm and vitality—and with a bloodshot left eye—confident that his third bid for leadership of a Government would be successful. In the course of a nation-wide tour he has covered thousands of miles and addressed dozens of meetings. He will fly to Auckland this morning for a further five meetings today. Asked the reasons for his confidence Mr Nash sat back in his chair, and with his head hunched between his shoulders and arms folded, said: “The good receptions. no hostility and friendliness everywhere.’’

He told of being kept for an hour and a half answering questions at a meeting in Te Awamutu. of shouting against a wind in the Rai .Valley while talking to dairy factory employees, and motoring through a foot of water over the main highway near Balclutha. “Feels Very Fit” Mr Nash has had to have irregular meals in order to keep his travel schedules, and make appearances in many parts of the country where he is sought. But he says he feels very fit, even on between four and five hours sleep a night, which is “the standard.” He thinks his newspaper coverage has been good and that, in general, election reporting has been “better than for a long time.” “Very fair and more objective, no complaints” is his summing up. “And if you become Prime Minister. when will the various policy points be put into operation?” he was asked. “In accordance with standard practice, during the term for which the Parliament is elected.” was his reply. “But the tax rebate will have to go through before February.” Mr Nash declined to indicate which policy points might be implemented first or to discuss the constitution of a Cabinet. “I do not want to be anticipatory,” he said. . But he did amplify one of the

policy points in the Labour platform—the promise to reduce interest rates to 3 per cent. “There are qualifying conditions, of course. When the rate is lowered it will not affect existing contracts. and you won’t be able to borrow £6OOO at 3 per cent.” With a characteristic gesture of his pointing left index finger. Mr Nash emphasised that he did not agree with people who said there was no issue this election.

Monetary affairs were the issue and the election would be decided on the Labour Party’s £lOO rebate and the Government’s social security charge forgiveness, he said.

And how fit was he, really? Mr Nash was asked. Did he take any exercise these days, apart from talking? Mr Nash’s eyes twinkled. “No exercise. But a fortnight ago I played a game of table tennis with another member of Parliament.” He looked gloomy for a moment. “He beat me 50-42; but then (brightening) he is 20 or 30 years younger.”

The other member? Mr Nash laughed. “Oh, no,” he said.