MR FRASER AT HILLSIDE

Evening Star, Issue 25928, 21 October 1946, Page 6

MR FRASER AT HILLSIDE

WORKSHOPS EMPLOYEES ADDRESSED Absolute confidence that the Government would be returned to power “ despite what Mr Holland promises the people to-night ” was expressed by the Prime Minister (Rt.„ Hon. P. Fraser) in a mid-day address to-day. to about 1,200 employees of the Hillside Workshops. If the Labour Phrty were not returned to power, the Prime Minister declared, the country would sink once more into the abyss from which it had ©merged during the 11 years the Government he now represented had been in power. The Prime Minister, who was escorted, to the platform by a very mixed hand playing an assortment of instruments, was accorded, an enthusiastic reception, and a motion of confidence in Inin and his party was carried unanimously. ± . , ■ ~ , Mr Fraser concentrated on the prosperity of the country and the financial contentment through benefits and higher wages rate of the people. He. said that if any other Government had been in power during the war years the housing shortage would be ten times worse to-day, and he pointed out that as it was. 11,000 houses had been completed during the past six years. The Government was concentrating on a vigorous housing programme in the future that would result in 30,000 more homes being built, besides 7,000 buildings for commercial purposes. The bitter days of charity had .gone, Mr Fraser said, but a depression, would again be the legacy of returning another Government to power. The people of the Dominion had been made more independent through the Government’s programme than ever before in the history of New Zealand, and this country led the rest of the world in war pensions, rehabilitation, social security, employment, and education. . Tlie Prime Minister was introduced by Mr E. Latimer (workshops manager), and during the function a cheque for £3OO was presented to Mr F. Percy (president ■ of the Otago Labour Representation Committee) by Mr E. W. Wilson (secretary of the Hillside Campaign Committee) as a progress payment towards the funds for electioneering purposes. Short adI dresses were also given by the Hon. j F. Jones. M P,, and Messrs R. Walls, j M.P.. and P. G, Connolly, M.P., while | the Hillside male choir, also individual I performers, presented items.