NATIONAL PARTY

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 May 1937, Page 2

NATIONAL PARTY

ME HAMILTON’S ADDRESS. [per press ASSOCIATION.] LEVIN, Maj’ 27. “I am convinced that last election was not a vote for Labour, but we put them in ourselves. They’re too well disciplined 1 to split votes,” said the Hon. Adam Hamilton, Leader of the Opposition, in an address at Levin last evening to a house full of members and supporters of the Nationa. Party. He emphasised the need for the newly-organised New Zealand National Party to prepare its forces thoroughly to present a united front against Socialism al the neAt election. He said that wonderful miertot was being taken in politics throughout the Dominion, especially in consideration of the fact that the present Parliamentary term was not yet half-way through. The people had not endorsed the Labour programme, as seen in action to-day, and their task was to build uu forces and draw into their ranks oid Liberals, Reformers, Demo crats, Independents, and 1 members of the Country Party imo one righting force.

Outlining the new constitution of the parly, Mr Hamilton sain the policy would be submitted for the approval of all members of the party, and would not be dictated by the leaders. Labour represented one class, and to get good government the National Party wanted the support of farmers, business men, and workers, as well as young people and ■womenfolk. Referring to promises not uphe’d. Mr Hamilton said' there wer? three classes who had been badly let down. First, there were those ■who had advocated social credit. Labour had taken up their cause and gained support, but now huge sums were being spent on public works, and were being secured by borrowing. Money was being spent faster than ever before in the Dominion. The B class broad casting stations, Mr Hamilioi: added, had courted Labour on the assumption that the Government -would allow ti: j m to receive some commei cial revenue. Now the Labour Party was .pursuing exactly the opposite cours..Last year’s Budget, surplus of £3.000,000 presented a golden opportunity of removing the sales tax, in accordance with the promise made to the electors, but instead they had added another £2,000,000 taxation. As a result of Labour legislation, a large sheep run and four timber m’.’H had . closed down in the Sou-.li Is find owing tc the higher cost of operation.