CAMPAIGN SPEECH

Press, Volume C, Issue 29517, 19 May 1961, Page 12

CAMPAIGN SPEECH

Mr Adcock At Styx

The Government’s intention to bring in legislation abolishing compulsory unionism could bring industrial turmoil at a time when it was essential that industry in New Zealand be developed, Mr A. A. Adcock, the Labour Party candidate for Hurunui, told more than 40 persons in an election address at Styx last evening. Mr Adcock said that in the six months it had been in power the Government had shown itself out of touch with the people. This was evident from its intention to abolish free milk in schools and statements by Cabinet Ministers on the possibility of reducing social security benefits. Mr M. A. Connelly, member of Parliament for Riccarton, and Mr N. E. Kirk, member for Lyttelton, gave supporting addresses. With unstable overseas markets and the fact that by 1968 more than 60,000 young people would have come on to the labour market, anything that would hinder industrial development was dangerous. Mr Adcock said. “I only hope that Mr Holyoake will see the folly of pursuing this stupid policy and withdraw the proposed legislation.” Mr Adcock said that the Labour Pary was pledged to the industrial development of the South Island. It realised the importance of agriculture in New Zealand’s economy, but was looking to the future when secondary industries would more than supplement the wealth of the country. Drainage Finance The refusal of the Minister of Finance (Mr Lake) to assist the Christchurch Drainage Board in its financial difficulties was criticised by Mr Adcock. He said that with a surplus of £7m in the Public Accounts, plus the unsolicited gift of £3m to the dairy industry, the Government could well have assisted with a project that was vital for the health of Christchurch people. The promises made by the Government to reduce taxation did not look likely to be fulfilled. Mr Lake had said that the Government had given no firm statement when it intended to reduce taxation. “These are the people who defaced the countryside with hoardings saying 'Vcte for Honest Government,’ ” said Mr Adcock. As well as not fulfilling its promises, said Mr Adcock, the Government had now decided to consider joining the International Monetary Fund, something it had no mandate from the electors to carry out.