NATIONAL PARTY

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 September 1938, Page 5

NATIONAL PARTY

WESTLAND ORGANISATION.

“Reports from the various branches of the organisation throughout the length and breadth of the Westland electorate are definitely encouraging.” (said Mr J. W. Greenslade (Chairman of the Westland Organisation of the National Party) to-day, when reporting on the meeting of the Greymouth executive, held last, evening, which was attended by over 20 members. “It is evident,” he added, “that, the people of Westland are day by day realising more fully that, the coming General Election will present, a vital issue, and that. Westland is equally concerned with the rest of the Dominion.- After three years of Labour administration, it. has become plain that a determined effort must be made to counteract the menace of the forces of Socialism, one of the most serious effects of which has been the general increase in the cost of living, a factor which has affected most detrimentally the working class. We believe that many people who supported Labour’ in 1935 are awake to the consequences of their action, and that there is now under way a definite swing-over to the National Party.” It -was reported, last evening, said Mr Greenslad'e, that the ladies’ committee of about 70 members was doingexcellent work at. Greymouth, in connection with the important task of ensuring that electors -were on the roll. It. is the intention of the committee to organise various functions, ■with the object of raising funds to meet, the party’s commitments. Other reports were received, regard-

ing various phases of organising activities, including those of the ladies’ committee at Hokitika, which comprises over 50 members, and the committees in the various country districts, right down to South Westland. “Greater interest is being taken throughout the electorate in the coming contest, than has been demonstrated on any previous occasion,’’ said Mr Greenslade, “and reports generally indicate that the people are cognisant of the serious nature of the Labour menace to the principles of individual liberty and tradition. The organisation at this period is more intense and comprehensive over the whole electorate than it has been at any previous time. Our committees are making every effort to ensure that, electors will go to the polling-booths. “Finance, with us, is a difficult problem. We have to find the whole of the fighting fund' for our own campaign, with no help whatever from outside sources. We are responsible for our own funds, and also for. a contribution to the central fund of the Nationalist Party. It appears questionable •whether we shall be able to meet this extra amount unless our supporters give more freely. We shall appreciate any donations, which may I be forwarded to the Party’s office at! Greymouth, or to myself.” ' At last evening’s meeting, a vote of appreciation was accorded to the Leader of the Opposition (Hon. A. Hamilton) and the members of the

National Party, for their work in Parliament. The resolution included an expression of confidence in the National Party. The National candidate, Mr E. B. E Taylor, is visiting th© countrj- districts, as opportunity offers, and Mr Greenslade said it was evident that, apart from the support forthcoming on the party basis, Mr Taylor was making himself a popular personality. His platform campaign will com-

mence about the middle of September, and a comprehensive tour of the electorate will be undertaken. MP., HAMILTON’S APPEAL [PER PRESS ABSOCIxiTION. | PALMERSTON N., Sept. 5. “Women have organised themselves in politics as they never have before,” said the Hon. Adam Hamilton, leader of the National Party, in an address to National supporters to-night. “They have their blood up and they’ll make things move,” he added. Mr. Hamilton said he knew of a woman in Christchurch and a woman in Auckland each of whom had enrolled more than 500 members to the party. “We want the young people in the fight, as well,” continued Mr. Hamilton. “There is no , body of people whose voice is more pleasant in the Dominion than the young people,” Unless they did get into the ranks they would find many difficulties in the future. Young people had to carry the future and it(s responsibilities. They had been born at a time when New Zealand could give them a wonderful life, but they had got to see that to-day was soundly governed and not just think of the pensions they would some day receive. Building up their own future was more fun than putting out their hands and taking everything the Government offered. “You young people.” added Air. Hamilton, “have got to give a hand and get into the battle. AVe want your help. Nothing can inspire our ranks higher.”