Greymouth Evening Star. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1943. FIRST ROUND WON.

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 September 1943, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1943. FIRST ROUND WON.

Holland is easier on the ear than is Mr. Fraser whose delivery is somewhat mournful, making what should be a pleasure to the listener a test of endurance. In addition, Mr. Holland, last evening, at Christchurch, had a comprehensive programme do unfold, and this, judging by the enthusiasm of his audience, was heartily welcomed. Generally, the whole proceedings formed a happy augury for the Nationalists, and gave the Party’s election campaign an excellent start. Experience suggests that it is unwise to base estimates on campaign meetings, but from these can be gathered some idea of how the pollings will go. The Nationalists have cause for encouragement, and if they go all out to win, victory will be theirs.

Mr. Holland preferred an earnest looking forward, rather than to waste time mourning what occurred years ago. Labour delights to dwell on what happened in the early 1930’s but some of the Party’s orators shrink from directing public attention to what occurred in 1914-18. The duty of the people now is to elect a Government capable of handling the postwar problems. Labour has not the men with the necessary qualifications, that Party’s economic creed being control, tax, and restrict. The electors have had bitter experience of how Labour mishandles economic situations more difficult than usual, and cannot desire a prolonged repetition of such costly mismanagement. Mr, Holland did not claim that the Nationalists have a monopoly of administrative talent, but promised that if his Party secured a majority, he would invite the best of his present opponents to join his Ministry, and, together, work for the nation’s good. Could any offer be more honest or fairer ?

“Free from Government direction” is a plank in the Nationalists’ platform that all should welcome, except those who wish to be State spoon-fed. State control has reached such proportions that, if not soon checked. New Zealanders will have to regard personal liberties as merely something their ancestors used to enjoy and cherish. Labour is honest about its intention to tighten present shackles, if reelected. Private enterprise made New Zealand and can do most for future national progress. It will never be able to exploit the people. State trading lias not brought happy results, as every housewife is aware. Has anybody a good word for the Internal Marketing Division for instance? Mr. Holland did not promise every possible blessing without cost, and his taxation revision proposals may not be generally welcomed. He was not trying to please all the people all the time, but outlined a legislative programme, fair and practicable, and not devised mainly for the benefit, of any one class. Electors will have the opportunity during the next three weeks of reflecting on the importance of their decision as to how they will vote on September 25. Mr. Holland’s address must appeal to many “non-Party” voters, as well as to Nationalists and not a few Labourites.