NATIONAL PARTY

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 59, 11 March 1937, Page 10

NATIONAL PARTY

LEADER IN NORTH

APPEAL FOR SUPPORT

The aims of the National Party were outlined by the Leader of the Opposition (the Hon. A. Hamilton) in a speech at Kerikeri this week.

"We have altered our constitution," said Mr. Hamilton, "so that now the powers of a member of Parliament will be delegated to those who elect him. In future the people themselves will have more to say in the government of the country than they have had in the past." There was a definite need for unity in combating the common enemy, Labour, said the speaker, and all were enjoined to pull together and thus present a united front at the next election. Only by straight-out fights could the National Party win the next election, and it was the policy of the party to issue a platform that would be palatable to each branch of the united National Party. Democrats, Liberals, and Reformers, together with the Independents, were urged to show more tolerance, as they were all fighting the one enemy, Labour.

Labour was very lucky to win the last election, said Mr. Hamilton, and nothing would convince him that New Zealand really wanted a Labour Government. Labour held 24 seats on a minority vote and this contributed to putting them in power. The last vote had gone against the supporters of the National Party owing to the people being antagonistic to the Government rather than to a universal desire for a Labour Government.

Mr. Hamilton said he was convinced that the ratio in the House today, with Labour occupying 55 seats, did not represent the wishes of the people. However, the people had,suffered, and it was certain that next time it would be different. New Zealand- had been built up by the Governments of ■ the past until today the country had the finest standard of living in the world, and none of the Governments of the past had been Labour. INCREASE IN TAXATION. If Labour continued for another term Mr. Hamilton was certain that New Zealand would suffer for a few generations to come. Taxation was increasing and the national debt was this year increased by a further £1,000,000. Labour was spending money upon undertakings that were more likely to prove liabilities than assets. Labour had promised that they would take off the sales tax. Instead of doing this they had actually increased it until it had grown from £2,000,000 to £5,000,000. Labour would never let go of any taxation. The National Party would gain 60 per cent, at the next election, Mr. Hamilton continued. It had a large following of workers.. The business men and farmers would support them, and they were assured of a 60 per cent, following, but there was an urgent need to prepare now for the fight.

Labour had understood the need for unification, and it was up to the Nationals to take heed from the success of that policy, both in New Zealand and in England. In England an election was no sooner over than-the people prepared for the next fight.

"Make sure that all Labour arguments are answered, enrol members, refrain from any criticism inside the party, but remain loyal to the cause, and then we will win," said Mr. Hamilton, in conclusion.