LABOR’S CHANGE OF HEART

Evening Star, Issue 19632, 11 August 1927, Page 10

LABOR’S CHANGE OF HEART

SOLICITUDE FOR SOLDIERS WAR YEARS RECALLED [From Ouk Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, August 10. The sudden change of heart of the Labor Party with regard to tho returned soldier was a remarkable thing, said Mr Waito (Clutha) during the Budget debate. Labor was attempting to make much out of the difficulties of returned men on the land, yet it was the opinion of the R.S.A. right through New Zealand that tho revaluation boards were more sympathetic to-day than ever before. "What bothers, inc is this sudden solicitude of tbo official Labor Party for the returned soldier. Yet i. believe that the majority of returned men throughout New Zealand realise that the Government has done more for the returned soldiers than any other Government in the world. “When your brothers and mine were hanging on to the slopes of Chunuk Bair." continued Mr Waite, "what was the attitude of the Labor Party?” Mr Parry (Auckland Central): “ Give us something new." "I am recalling that,” replied Mr Waite, “but while to-day they are attempting to make use of the returned soldier for a political cry during the critical years of 1914-18 they were doing their best to deny us reinforcements.” Mr Parry. "Give us something sensible: that is worn-out stuff.”