A UNITED FRONT

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 74, 21 December 1937, Page 12

A UNITED FRONT

Freedom Association And National Party

MR. HAMILTON’S VIEW Common Cause Against Socialism By Telegraph.—Press Association. Invercargill. December 20. The establishment of the Auckland Provincial Freedom Association as an independent organisation to stimulate interest in politics and to maintain vigilance hi the maintenance of democratic and constitutional rights is regarded by the Leader of the Opposition. Hon. Adam Hamilton, as a step of great potential importance in the struggle against Socialism. “There can be no question of any division of forces in this matter,” Mr. Hamilton said. “As I see it, there is a group in Auckland which is entirely opposed to the principles of the Labour movement, a group which shares the belief of the National Barty in the lasting virtues of personal liberty as opposed to the doctrine of the totalitarian State. “That the new organisation elects to remain independent in certain respects does not affect the issue a scrap. It is ready for alliance with the National Party and is prepared to give us its support because our ideals are the same. That is all that matters. “We must have a united front against Socialism, and we are ready to welcome and co-operate with any organisation which sees the danger confronting New Zealand to-day, and which is willing to fight against it.” The objects of the new association, Mr. Hamilton continued, had been set out to include the urgent necessity for maintaining the principles of true democracy and for opposing by all lawful means the growing menace of State control and Ministerial interference in agricultural and industrial affairs. Such objectives, he thought, would appeal to all people who wished to enjoy the just rewards of their own initiative and endeavour. Mr. Hamilton recalled that some months ago, following the Dominion conference of the National Party, he had issued a general statement giving a broad outline of the party’s policy. The viewpoint expressed in the new association’s manifesto appeared to strike a similar note. It appeared that the principal aim of the freedom association was to carry out educative work. In this way it would be of great assistance to the Opposition in Parliament. which had been endeavouring for months to direct political thought to the evils of the Government policy, which was entirely materialistic. Notable Organiser. “It says much for the standing of the new body that it has been able to obtain the services of such a noted man as Professor R. M. Algie,” Mr. Hamilton continued. “I know him by repute as a man of keen intellect, and the highest principles. As an authority on constitutional law he has been in a unique position to detect the inherent weaknesses in the Labour Government’s legislation. He is to be congratulated on his courage in leaving a sheltered post for the heat and acrimony of the political arena in order to expose the weaknesses which he knows to exist. “There is much work to be done during the next few months. Those of us who appreciate- tradition will make common cause against, anything which savours of class conscious government. The new association will be welcomed by the National Party as an ally in the fight for freedom.”