LEADERS’ VIEWS OF ELECTION

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 1, 27 September 1943, Page 4

LEADERS’ VIEWS OF ELECTION

Endorsement Claimed GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IN PEACE & WAR Comment By Mr. Fraser The claim that the policy of the Government in peace and -war had- -been endorsed and supported by 44 of the electorates, giving the Government a majority of nine seats, was made by the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, when commenting yesterday on the results of the election. Mr. Fraser said he had asked for the support of the people of New Zealand for the unflagging prosecution of the war effort, the efficient and successful rehabilitation of our servicemen, and’ the maintenance of our standard of living and social security. “The country has given that mandate.” said the Prime Minister.' “and we propose to exercise it in the interests of the people of the Dominion. The Government will continue its work in prosecuting New Zealand’s war effort, and I am confident that it will have the united co-operation of the -whole nation in this, the most -urgent and important task that confronts us all.” Mr. Fraser thanked the electors for their support and confidence, aud particularly all who assisted so strenuously to -nfaiutain the Government. He also wished to thank the chief electoral officer, Mr. L. Irwin, and all his official staffs throughout the country. He congratulated the Maori people on their clear realization of the issues at stake and their splendid response at the polls on Friday. “I regret the loss of a number 'of tried and trusted colleagues who have rendered splendid service in Parliament for the people of the Dominion.” said the Prime Minister. “I specially mention m Cabinet colleagues, the Hon. J. G. Barclay and the Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer, who as Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Health respectively have shown such conspicuous ability in administering their portfolios in difficult and trying times.”

DEMOCRATIC LABOUR

Mr. Lee Expects Better Support In Future

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, September 26.

“This is not the first I have tasted defeat,” said Mr. J. A. Lee, leader of the Democratic Labour Party, in commenting ou the result of the poll today. “Once before I heard the hoots of the crowd on election night, and lived to hear the same people cheer the person they had hooted within three months. People who fall for principles and policies have the habit of rising again. “If I had fallen alone, I should have been inclined to devote my whole time to writing, for I can express my radicalism with the pen in the form of a novel or an article, but I rallied a good team of splendid people for the cause in which we believed. We have a hard core of support from the people willing to take the risks of fighting for their faiths rather than allowing fear to determine their vote.

“Mr. Fraser, who was known to bo in favour of a coalition some time ago, terrified the electors with the suggestion that we were collaborating with the Nationalists. We shall come again, and soon, for Mr. Fraser’s victory was won on fear and not on faith or veneration for the leader. "We feel sure our policy will be more appreciated in the days ahead.”