MR HOLLAND QUOTES MR SAVAGE

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 August 1949, Page 6

MR HOLLAND QUOTES MR SAVAGE

WELLINGTON. August 1 (P.A.). —“On August 3, the day after tomorrow, the people of New Zealand will give the people of Britain their answer,” said the Leader of the Opposition (Mr S. G. Holland) in a national broadcast this evening. Appealing for a “Yes” vote in the referendum, Mr Holland said: “Britain is entitled to expect every New Zealander that day to do his duty. Britain has conscription,” Mr Holland said that August 3 would show whether New Zealand was prepared to follow the lead of its former Prime Minister (Mr Savage), when he said: “Where Britain goes we go. Where she stands we stand.” Attitude Explained “Although I support the Government’s training proposals, because they are, and always have been, the National Party’s own policy, I had earlier declined an invitation to broadcast on two specific grounds,” said Mr Holland. “First, I thought it wrong that broadcasting facilities should be used to present only one side of the case, and I therefore declined to speak over the air unless the other side had reasonable opportunities of presenting its case to the people. Second, I have strong objections to the radio being used for political addresses on Sundays. I am able and pleased to broadcast now because

both of those objections have been satisfactorily overcome.” The National Party, said Mr Holland, was wholeheartedly behind the proposition that New Zealand should play is part in the defence of the Empire, and in the maintenance of world peace. ' “I do not hold the view that war is either imminent or inevitable, but it is my firm opinion that the danger that faces the world and threatens continued peace is a stark and grim reality,” said Mr Holland. “In my judgment, the only way to ensure peace is to demonstrate in a practical form our willingness, our ability., and our determination along with our friends and allies to preserve for those who come after us the priceless heritage of a British way of life.” Not One Lukewarm Tn the Parliamentary ranks of the National Party, said Mr Holland, there was not a single member who was unwilling to assist or who was lukewarm. People in Christchurch, said Mr Holland, had been incensed because the Canterbury Trades Council of the Federation of Labour had distributed “poisonous leaflets” at his Christchurch meeting. If anyone should decide not to cast a vote as a protest against what had happened they would be playing right into the hands of those who wished for various reasons to see New Zealand weak and undefended.

“If by their despicable tactics these people can influence supporters of the scheme not to vote they have done a very good job for their cause,” said Mr Holland. “I exhort people not to be misled by such tactics.”