"RATHER A FREAK"

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 49, 26 August 1938, Page 5

"RATHER A FREAK"

THE LAST ELECTION

COMING STRUGGLE

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, August 25. "We are going into the fight to win, and the recent candidates' conference was an inspiration to us," said the Leader of the Opposition (the Hon. Adam Hamilton) at a meeting of National Party supporters at Takapuna. "The last election was rather a freak; something of an accident," Mr. Hamilton said. "Labour had a good win, but I do not think that the vote was to confirm State Socialism in this country, but one of resentment against the depression Government. "This time it will be a straight-out struggle. Let us hear the voice of the people of New Zealand, and we will abide by what they say. Anyhow, we cannot do anything else." (Laughter.) Mr. Hamilton said British democracy had given the Dominion the best form of Government in the world. If the country did not preserve it she would lose it, as others had done. "Labour learned long ago how to gather its forces into one strong fighting force," he continued. "It was our divided forces that put them in. With 47 per cent., I think, of the total votes cast, they won 70 per cent, of the seats in the House. That is clever. It is organisation and ability to gather their strength into one cohesive force." PARTY GOVERNMENT. Some people did not like the party system of government at all, Mr. Hamilton added. He, however, believed in a two-party system, with a Government and an Opposition. He advised electors always to put in a Government with a strong majority and with the voice of the people behind it. This was hard to achieve, and did not exist in New Zealand today. "Women have their blood up this election, and when they get their blood up we are going to get somewhere. One in Christchurch booked up more than 500 members." A voice: We have a woman in Auckland who booked up 500. Mr. Hamilton: Good on her! That is better than Hutton's score. The real government of the country was the citizens, he continued. Members of Parliament carried out their duties in the House. A voice: Just the housekeepers. (Laughter.) Mr. Hamilton: Yes; and not an easy job. The Labour Government, or, rather, the Socialists, wanted to abolish the present system and establish a Socialist State, he added. "A word to church people to whom the Labour Party is appealing," Mr. Hamilton said. "They say they are champions of Christianity. Are they? The Master's message was from God to His people. He did not come to establish a new social order. They are trying to shift ground to make the message of the Master a material one." The meeting passed a vote of thanks to Mr. Hamilton and expressed confidence in the success of the party at the election.