POLITICAL MEETING

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 102, 1 May 1943, Page 6

POLITICAL MEETING

DEMOCRATIC LABOUR

"There is no doubt that Parliament in this country has fallen from its high estate," said Mr. H. E. Herring, speaking on behalf of the Democratic Labour Party at a public meeting at Seatoun on Thursday. Parliament met infrequently and generally at once went into secret session. Policy and details on such important matters to the future of this country as leaselend were not discussed. What were the agreements that had been signed and sealed, asked Mr. Herring. Bureaucratic organisations outside Parliament, such as the Industrial Emergency Council, were able to set aside, awards and conditions and formulate important policies without' vital matters being fully discussed by the people's representatives. Wartime secrecy and emergency administration were being deliberately carried to extremes and the average wage-earner and the small business man suffered. Mr. Herring characterised the recent Easter conference of the Labour Party as eagerly endorsing broken gromises to the people. State control of credit and currency was an outstanding example. Mr. Herring stated that Democratic Labour would put this first essential of a radical policy into effect and advocated the post-war development of New Zealand industry. The second speaker was Mr. Les France, prospective candidate for Wellington Suburbs, who dealt with the high cost of living. He stated that the present financial policy of the Government would lead to a terrible economic depression. Both the Labour and National Parties thought only in terms of yesterday. Democratic Labour, under Mr. J. A. Lee, advocated a pro-New Zealand radical programme. Men of ability and courage were needed in the Parliamentary life of this country. A motion of thanks and confidence was carried unanimously by the large audience. The chairman was Mr. F. M. Earle.