ELECTION POLICY OUTLINED

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 73, 23 September 1938, Page 6

ELECTION POLICY OUTLINED

ENTHUSIASTIC TOWN HALL MEETING

"COMMON SENSE V. STUPIDITY"

Cheered and applauded by the thousands that packed into the Town Hall, the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) last night gave his first platform address in the present election campaign. Long before 8 o'clock seating accommodation in the Town Hall was fully occupied, and late comers had to stand. At times the enthusiasm of the audience was unbounded, and in a speech punctuated with numerous bursts of applause and approval, Mr. Savage outlined what the Labour Government had done during its first three years of office. He also detailed the Government's election policy, as published in the "Evening Post" yesterday, and compared its proposals with the promises of its political opponents. "This election," he declared, "is a battle between stupidity and plain common sense." As the Prime Minister, conducted by the Mayor of Wellington '(Mr-T. C. A. Hislop), who presided, entered the Town Hall the crowd rose and cheered him, and several bouquets and posies were handed to him. Mr. Savage was accompanied by the Minister of Education and Health (the Hon. P. Fraser) and Mrs. Fraser, and Mr. and Mrs. A. French. The Mayor said that he felt sure that the dominant feeling in people's minds would be one of gratitude that they could see the Prime Minister restored to health fit and well. (Prolonged applause.) "It is, of course, a duty of a chairman to introduce the speaker," continued the Mayor, "but you will agree that that function is not necessary tonight. Another duty is to preserve order. I think that duty will be a very easy one." Mr. Hislop added that it was his first experience as chairman of a political gathering. A few years ago he was being a trial to many chairmen, but now he was able to sit in the best seat and was going to listen to what was to be said. "All of us will listen with the greatest interest to what the Prime Minister has to say, and we are delighted to know that he is restored to health so that he can lead and put before the people the policy of the great party he represents."