Mr Nash’s Defence Of Labour’s Record

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29401, 31 December 1960, Page 14

Mr Nash’s Defence Of Labour’s Record

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Dec. 30. “No Government within my knowledge has taken office under more favourable conditions than the present Government on December 12,” said the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nash) in his New Year message. “The overseas funds were 50 per cent, higher than when Labour took office in 1957/ Large sums have been invested overseas to ensure availability for repayment of loans on maturity dates in 1961. The latest annua) figures available have shown a record in value of exports. A major adjustment has been made in ranges of salaries in all sections of the Public Service. “The recent Industrial Development Conference has initiated inquiry into extension and expansion of primary and manufacturing industries. Proposals for investment of unprecedented large sums of capital have been completed and the various new enterprises are now under action.

“An education building and expansion programme has been carried out, Every educationalist appreciates the great potential advance in university education under the new system that has been inaugurated. “More houses have been erected for family ownership and occupation than ever before —young mothers and . fathers have a greater opportunity than ever of proving that the major agent in forming character is in home and family life. Full Employment

“Unemployment has been avoided, and new work has for some time, in varied fields, been open to all leaving school and to newcomers.

“Social Security beneficiaries in ail fields have had their income improved, and there is now a better social security system in al) its phases than ever before.

“Retail sales have broken sabstantially all previous records. “Our relations with other nations, particularly with the United Kingdom, have never been better. We have taken, certainly, an independent line on many current problems, particularly Laos and SEA.T.O.. and th- new proposals for governing European trade, but, in general, our standing has been maintained at a very high level. "The present prices of wool and dairy products and meat are reasonable, and if sustained should keep the economics of the woolgrower and the dairy farmer on an even basis. New exports are bringing improved overseas funds

“It does not appear reasonable for the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) to suggest that the overseas funds position may be difficult during the coming year whilst maintaining his previous

statement that, when the Labour Government took office in 1957. the position of the funds was very good. “Let me sum up: “The present position is that the whole country has now a sounder and more buoyant economy and is better fitted to ride out any difficulties which may arise in the next few years, as long as Labour’s forward-look-ing development policy is not abandoned or pared down by the incoming Government. Claim for Labour “Labour can justly claim the major credit for making New Zealand what it is today—a country with a great future. The development anyone can see in almost every part of the country —in land, in factories, in business, in new homes, in schools, in roads, power schemes, and countless other facilities which mark greater prosperity and welfare—owes most of its original impetus and present drive to Labour’s firm principle of not only increasing production, but ensuring it is fairly shared among all the partners in what is a nation-wide enterprise. “The satisfaction the Labour Party can feel in its accomplishments will long outlast any regre* at having to lay down an uncompleted task, and also any sting felt from the vilification directed at it.

“Sustained by the loyal support received at the election, and by the many expressions of appreciation and friendship, not only from traditional supporters, received since then, the Labour Party will continue to look ahead, matching its policy to the needs and interests of the country as a whole, and overhauling its organisation in preparation for 1963

“We may never have as much money to spend oh organisation as has the National Party, but we have what is, in the long run. far more important—the ideas, the ideals. and the integrity which have enabled Labour to leave its indelible imprint op the country.

“In Opposition, Labour will closely watch the interests of the country, and particularly of those citizens whose need is greatest. If any attempt is made to tear down what Labour has built up to make New Zealand strong, we shall oppose it with all our power. Parliament will be the poorer for the loss of our colleagues who were not returned. but we who are left will work all the harder to ensure that only legislation furthering the prosperity and welfare of all our people is passed without question. We shall continue to do dur best to see that opportunity is given to each to contribute to the prosperity of all.”