GENERAL ELECTION: NOTES AND POINTS

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 307, 22 September 1943, Page 8

GENERAL ELECTION: NOTES AND POINTS

“The people of New Zealand are crying out for two things—freedom and the opportunity to live their own lives. —• Mr. J. Satterthwaite (National, limaru).

“XII the soldier will need when he comes back will be 2/6 to buy the marriage licence —I dou t think that Mr. Holland can do it better (ban that. —Mr. tl. Hansen (Labour, Pahiatua), speakm» at Woodville. if * V

“Without, a new financial policy, any talk of rehabilitation and post-war reconstruction is just ‘Moohan-shine, t’o-poral 11. T. Seliou (Democratic £>ol- -

"While our men serving overseas can get only £3O (stg.) extra per annum even if the money is lying to then credit in this country, Ministers of the Crown have provided themselves with ample sterling funds for world tours. —Mr. D. B. Gordon (National, Raugitikei). * v *

■•The drift of population to the cities can be solved by the provision ol tamiiy accommodation on farms for the workers and the decentralization of industry the country so that it can absorb th' rural family labour."—Major C. F. bkinuer (Labour. Motueka.) « * *

“This is not a private fight between Labour and Nationalist, said Mr A. 11. Carman (Independent, XX eßingtou North), speaking at the Trades Hall on Monday night. The issues facing tlie electors were far more .fundamental than the traditional battle between the ins and the “outs" for the sweets of oltice, he said. “Even if we wished it, we could not return to the old pre-war world. Changes are inevitable, and a new outlook is required from our leaders it we are to achieve any worth-while new order."

Much lip service had been given to the talk of a new order after the war. but the most practicable step yet taken toward the establishment of the type of Government best fitted to assist in the bringing about of this new order was the freedom of conscience granted to all members ot the National Party, said Mr. C. G. Harker (National. XVaipawa), speaking at Onga Onga. It was much regretted that this right to put principles before party had been so arbitrarily refused to parliamentarians supporting the present Government. —‘‘Dominion ’ Special beivice.

After paying tribute to the way the men and women of New Zealand nail respondee! to the call on both production and fighting fronts. Mr. D. XX. Coleman, M.P. (Labour, Gisborne), said at Aluriwai on Monday that if (he Government had been eareles. apathetic and indifferent. then the people would have been likewise. It was because the Government was earnest and able to impress on the country the seriousness of the position and gave the necessary leadership that the people responded so magnificently. The best service that the electors could do the men of the forces was to return the Labour Government, whose rehabilitation plans were far more advanced than those of any other country in the world. —“Dominion" Special Service.

s * ■> A vote for Democratic Labour was a vote for the rehabilitation of the country, including its financial system; a vote n-ainst Democratic Labour was a vote for either the National Party or the Tory Labour Party, either of which, if they had any intention of honouring then promises must commit the country to further debt, bigger interest payments and more taxation.—Mr. IL. J- Barnett (Democratic Labour, Otaki) in a recent address. . . *

“As far as Hastings is concerned, the Socialists will go. out without leaving a single monument.' said Mr. la. N- 1 por (National, Hawke's Bay), at Hastings West, wken dealing with the failure ot the present Government to provide Hastings with a new railway station and goods shed. Mr. Pryor quoted the Labour candidate’s answer to this complaint to the effect that the Labour. Government built the line to Gisborne, and that was why Hastings station and goods shed were so busy. It reminded him, said Mr. Prvor, of once going to a country stoic for baking powder and the storekeeper replying politely, “We haven’t any baking powderT but we have the weekly illustrated paper." —“Dominion’ Special Service. . . ' »

There wns some ex'citement at an election meeting addressed in Moodid.e on Monday evening, by Mr. G. Hansen (Labour. Pahiatua). An interjector early in the address raised points about the quality of footwear and the effect of import control. After that Mr. Hansen continued to address himself frequently to the interjector. This went on G’’ an -i le tor rose and complained that Mr. Ilan sen was “making tilings too personal. “I am as much Labour as you are, ami 1. like to see fair play,’’ he said to Mr. Hansen. . , . Mr. Hansen: ‘Aon have never been Labour in your life.’’ . _ ( Tiie objector : “You’re a liar. ■ Mr. Hansen : “I can see 10/- a ween-aiid-soup-kitchens written all over your face.” , , ~ ~ The interjector on whose behaa the objector had taken the floor then rose and said: “I started it and I can take it. A woman took a hand here and Saul : “We’re not in AV oilington, and I want to listen to the speaker. I haven’t yet made up my mind who to vote for. . . „ This cloA’od the incident. —‘‘Donniiion Special Service. ♦ * # "Mr. Fraser admits that there is ‘nothing spectacular’ in the Governments policy on education,” said Mr. M . l'~ Barnard (Independent. Napier) speaking at. West Shore. The same remark could be applied to Mr. Holland’s education proposals in which was found the commonplace suggestion that there should be more teaching about “love of country and Empire.’’ What both gentlemen overlooked was the need for developing the child s artistic nature and the encouragement of its creative spirit. Music, dancing, colour work, drama and school choirs could play a much bigger part than they did. —“Dominion” Special Service. » » «

“The working class has more reason for concern than any other at the Labour Government’s trend away from principles of democratic government,” said Mr. 11. 11. Barker (National, Gisborne), at Makaraka last Monday. Today the Government was taking away the rights of the people for the reference of every piece of legislation to Parliament. Some civil servants were in turn taking away the rights of the Government, while men like Mr. F. P. Walsh were overriding Government decisions. Attacking the Government’s encouragement of monopolies, Mr. Barker- said that in Gisborne they had in the fish trade an example of monopoly in their own town. Another big monopoly was running the building trade of New Zealand, and the small builder could not get supplies unless he “got in good” with this octopus concern. —“Dominion Special Service. . * *

Mr. Fraser's attitude over conscription was in line with his other antics on what were once known as Labour principles, ■said Private T. Lyon (Democratic Labour. Gisborne), at Bartletts on Sunday, .Mr. Fraser obviously believed, along with well-known international figure, that consistency wns the hobgoblin of small minds. .Mr. Fraser reminded him. said Private Byon, of a Parliamentarian of his boyhood days who earned the title of ■‘Rainbow ——because of his variety ( of colours. —“Dominion” Special Service. * ft ft The Labour Government. many of whose members were fond of quoting the Bible in support of their policy, had not been game to tackle the greatest gambling and revenue-defrauding racket in the country —off-cours- betting, said Mr. J. JI. Winter. D.C'.M. (Independent New Order, Hawke's Bay), at Ptiketapu. He was not averse to betting, he said, lie was a racing follower himself. About 4'l years ago bookmaking was made illegal, but instead of the Stille getting increased revenue through the totalizator, underground betting began and had increased mightily. It was now almost “untouchable.” ’ When the totalizator was used a man must pay cash from earnings or savings. Now he could bet in the most harmful way—on credit. The million or so pounds a year which went through the totalizator was only a fraction of the colossal sum expended on off-course betting. Why not. a Royal Commission l-» devise the best method of taxing offcourse investments, say. by licensed betting establishments in centres?

“The production of the land is needed bv the nation and the farmers arc wording that land as a trust; it belongs to the nation, the people of New Zealan i, and the people of the country need its full production."—Major C. I’. Skinner (Labour, Motueka.) *

“The fellow who pulls bis weight will be in for a good time: but the fellow who won’t pull his weight will not have such a good time.”—Mr. S. G. Holland, when asked what the attitude ol a National Government would be towaid the privileges of workers, particularly waterside workers. * #

“The longer the party system carries along the deeper into debt we-will go. Mr. L. A. Jarden (Real Democracy, Lyttelton). s *

“What about having' to pay £2/2/- for a nightdress?" asked an intcrjectof of Ml. F L. Frost (Labour. New Plymouth when he was addressing electors tit Bell Block on the stabilized prices. XX ell c don’t kuow much about that. My =ni» wear pyjamas,” replied Mr. J! rose.

“I want to see a man safeguarded with an endowment scheme which would, ill the event of his death, buy his home so that his wife and children would have life-long security. —Mr. N. 1. Lioii (National. Hutt), speaking at Lower Hutt last night. « X? «

“I would remove all unnecessary controls which hamper industry, and I would Stop industrial monopolies introduced Dy 'the Government, such as the manufacture of linseed oil. salt and tyres. Big essential industries are being farmed out lor the sake of revenue. —Mr. L. Hollni,s (Independent.* Christchurch South).

“I know there is hostility among farmers against this Government, salt Air. F L Frost (Labour, New Plymouth), in the course of a recent address, but why. is hard to understand. “Because Nash broke his word. Xli:i.t-=. easy, and that's the answer, called d member of the audience. “Well, if this Government .goes out and vour Government goes in, stud Mi. Frost, “you’ll get big prices tomorrow and a slump the next day. . , “We've got it now. XX nal s the pound worth —about four nob. ’ . Jlr Frost: “Says you!" He added that if Mr. Nash had followed the recommendations of the committee the dairyindustry would have been ruined. - * .3 c

A great deal had been said about the Internal Marketing Division, said Mr. J. J. Maher (National, XXairarapa), in a recent address. He wondered that the Government rated the intelligence pf the people of the Dominion so low that they expected them to believe any defence ol the division. It was an insult to public intelligence to suggest that last year when eggs .were plentiful in Christehuich and in short supply in XXellingtou it would not have been ..possible for _ the I.XLIL to arrange for eggs to be shipped to XX’ellington. *

The Government had been too weak to stand up to high-ranking military officers, and because of its lack of knowledge it had allowed the late Mr. J. G- Coa.es, fine a man as he was, to "gallop away with the XVar Cabinet.” said. Private 1. Lyon (Democratic Labour. Gisborne) at Gisborne, when he criticized manpower commitments. The country s manpower resources were so-strained that men were serving overseas who should never nave been sent there. On the fiimt basis as New Zealand, the Lmted States would have 30.000,000 in the services, whereas it was scheduled to have 11,000.000 by Christmas. —"Dominion” Special Service.” , ,

“The Farmers' Union is a National Party organization. I know—l was a union member,” said Mr. G. Hansen (La hour candidate for Pahiatua) speaking at XVoodville on Monday night, wneri he suggested that the union, along with tne chambers of commerce and other interested parties, was trying to create a tear psychology about the Land Sales Act “XX - ell. we had the confidence ol tlle people in 1938, and we will still have it in 1913,” said Mr. Hansen.

“Government members say that 'Vi- will cut wages and pensions, and tua r - ‘“e country does not want the oM gam, that was in power before 19.»>. said Air. E. B. Gordon (National, Rangiukei), speaking at Durie Hill. XX e arc not the old gang.” he addeel. "The National Party was formed in 1936. and many of its members are men who have been elected to Parliament since IJ3o Me a"i-ee that mistakes were made diinn, the slump, but we were not party to them.” Air. A. Dymock. who presided, said that Mr. Gordon bad worthily represented the district for the past eight years. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried. —“Dominion” Special Service.

“I know what it is myself to get 4d. a pound for butterfat and tnc days when dealers from these parts could go to lai anaki and get dairy heifers for £-i to ±8 a head and dispose o_f them up rhe East Coast at £l2 ito £lo, said Mr.. L. LCullen, M.P. (Labour, Hawkes Bay), at Alahora, when he claimed that farmers had not only done well .under tlie guaranteed price but the price of their daily stock had been stabilized. No one no" could lift large numbers of dairy cattle and sell them at 200 to 000 per cent, profit. Alany a weaner pig he had had to sell for 5/- and porkers for 12/6 lie now looked forward to a giiarantccil price for meat and wool: it would be one ol the best things that could happen to the primary producers. —“Dominion Special Service. . . •

An allegation that a meeting he had attended at a mining township had been bovcotted because the Labour Party did not want the miners to know the truth.” was made by \V arrant-Olliccr A. E Allen (Democratic Labour, Hamilton),' addressing a meeting at I: ranktou. The speaker claimed that on y delegates of thermion were present. " is no semblance of democracy m that soil oi thing,” he concluded. *

“Had not lhe war intervened we were "oin" to settle the young farmhand on the land after he had served .bye years, and continued him ‘ a * he , Jab ,r^ n set out to learn, said Air. G. 1 Lins n (Labour. Pahiatua). speaking at. XVod ville. Labour was going to finance tliesi. voting men, who previously would line had to save till they were 40 to make a start, up to 100 per cent provided < ey bad farming ability and knowledge. 1 hat plan would be revived after the war. an< there would be no paying 9 per cent, to stock and station agents lor advances to cover stock purchases.— Dominion Special Service.

From the beginning Mr. M . A. ‘lie.it (National. Pateai has conducted a vigoiouh campaign. Some of his meetings have been-enlivened by interjectors who have reminded him ot the fact that he stood as a Labour candidate in Mr. Sheat lias met such interjections with equanimily. On Monday night at Paten be told an inierjector : "1 inn very pleased vnu have studied my political record, and I hope it has led you to the conclusion (hat 1 have improved Willi age.” Mr. Sheat is a qualified lawyer trtio lias been farming for some years, and he has made an excellent nnprcisiOll a« a platform speaker , and debater. "Dominion" Special Service.

Tlie Democratic Labour Party believed New Zealand had been disproporlioiiatelv committed in regard to manpower. The'people were entitled to know to just what extent the country was ccmmitlca. Australia, witli a population oi nine millions, had only three divisions serving overseas with the Australian Imperial .Foree, while New Zealand, whose population was one and a half millions, liml two land divisions. 30,060 men m the Air Force, and 2000 in the Aavy.—Air. A. E. Allen (Democratic Labour, Hamilton.) « « »

Candidates for Parliamentary honours must expect, to face unusual questions, but perhaps the most difficult put to Mr. ('. A. Barrell (Labour. Hamilton) at Maeroa was: “Why can t we have better music over the air?” Mr. Barrel] replied amid laughter that while be personally did not care for "Meet. Me in the Cowyard at Half-past Six” type of music, it was necessary to cater for popular tastes. When music' of a classical nature such as Chopin wns presented the station was inundated with calls from indignant listeners clamouring for their favourite crooner.

“The present Government does not understand what a real war effort is. It has thought that the way to wage war is to put as many people as possible into uniform and then count heads. — Flight Lieutenant I’. T. Curran (Democratic Labour, Auckland XVest.)

“Either the Government thinks that territorial waters round New Zealand have suddenly become dangerous ir it s another one out of the old ballot box. A few weeks ago they started paying- seamen a bonus of £<> a month. —Mr. N.I. Croft (National, Hutt), speaking at Lower Hutt last night. * *

“Labour's principles are Christian principles, and they arc more in keeping with the Sermon on the Mount than are the National Party's principles.”—Mr. 1. Neilson (Labour, Dunedin Central).

“The people must retake control of their Government if democracy and freedom are to survive. Centralized control is gaining ascendancy throughout the world and persons are counting for less and less.”—Air. O. A. Thelning (Real Democracy, Kaiapoi). *

The Labour Party when in Opposition had twitted the Government with extravagance in their travelling expenses, but Ministerial travelling expenses in 1942 and 1943 were two and a half times as great as in 1934, said Mr. M. H. Oram (National. Manawatu), in a recent address to electors. « ♦ M

One-man architecture is as monotonous as one-man ministry in the churches. The financial policy of Mr. XX’alter Nash nas 464 million ghosts within it—ghosts of the past. The legacy handed down from past generations-—the public debt. The National horse is the old political hack dressed up in a coat of many colours, its borrowed plumes waving in the breeze.— Mr. S. S. Hamilton (Social Democrat and Church Reform, lloskill). « # *

“In the last war the two parties fused ns one party. Why?” asked Mr. J. W. Munro (Labour, Dunedin North), at a recent meeting. “Because they were Tweedledum and Twecdledee. and there was no difference between them.’ he added. “The remnants are the Opposition today. They were' fooling you then, but they have not been able to fool you since the Labour Government was elected."

He believed the opposition had some wonderful photographs showing , how State irrigation had ruined laud in the South Island, said Mr. G. Hansen (Labour, Pahiatua). speaking at XVoodville. These photographs, he believed, showed a few rushes. XVel!, it might be possible to find a few of these in an area of 420.000 acres irrigated, but the greater likelihood was that the person responsible for the photographs found the rushes on Ins own farm. But the.proof of the matter was in the fact that the 420.000 acres once carried only a sheep to 10 acres; today there were five sheep to the acre, .and many thousands of cattle. —“Dominion Special Service. *

“If the people of New Zealand desire to live their own lives in their own way, according to the British mode of life, to own their own homes, and to own their own farms, to live under the principles of .justice, liberty, and freedom, then they cannot any longer allow the present. Labour Government to control tlie destinies of the country.”—Air. Al. IT. Oram (National, Alanawatu). • • •

Asked how he would vote on a noconfidence motion, if he were r '’| u ™'; d the House, Air. A. H. Carman (Independent. XVellington North), speaking at the Trades Hall on Monday, replica that he would want •to know the issue upon which the confidence of the Government was challenged. “I am not concerned with the struggle for power by either party," said Mr. Carman, “but I am vitally concerned in the measures that are brought forward, and should always seek io vote on measures and not lor party.” » ♦ »

Many New Zealand farmers had generously offered to train returned servicemen desirous of taking up land, snid AljE L Cullen. ALP. (Labour, Hawkes Bav). at Alahora. Where men were placed with these farmers the Rehabilitation Board would subsidize the wages of the soldier trainee to a figure comparable with that paid to tradesmen trainees. For the first six months the farmer would have to pay the soldier only £1 a week and found, and the wage would increase progressively up to a period of two years. No soldier without ability wou.d be placed on a farm but those without experience who wanted to take up the land would be given training facilities. Men with experience would be. placed_ without delay —“Dominion" Special Service. •- # « *

“XX’hile Air. Nash was in New Zealand presenting the Budget, the most important conference, dealing with matters vitally affecting the Pacific, was being held in XX’ashington. ami New Zealand was the only country not represented, at that conference. Is this ‘putting country before party?’ " —Air. E. L. Gordon (National, Rangitikei).

“We need today the spirit of our own pioneers and those pioneers of Great Britain, who built up by a system of freedom and private enterprise the greatest Empire the world has ever seen. Let us theu as free men and women assert our rights and say this bureaucratic control must stop before economic chains arc forged which cau only bring misery and ruin to everyone, but mostly ‘to the workers. A, E. Mansford (independent, Palmerston North). u * *

The Labour Government hud a .iob to do and they had done it well, but be believed there was a crowd in the country who would sooner have seen the GerDians in New Zealand than have Jjabour running the country. —Mr. J* O Brien (Labour. Westland). $ x? *

Though the Labour Government had announced that defaulters in camps would not be allowed to vote, Air. Will Appleton (National. Wellington Central), speaking at Itosenoath, no line of policy had been indicated as to the nosition of these defaulters after the war. The U.S.A, had made strong representations on the matter, and it was the feeling of most: thinking people that these defaulters should be deprived of civil rights for a term of 10 years. Aould Air. Fraser, asked Air. Appleton, announee his policy on this matter. oj)d would he a]so assure electors with kith and kin engaged in the war struggle that defaulters who were out of camp for various reasons, were not being given the privilege of voting on Saturday next.