LABOR PARTY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 13094, 16 February 1937, Page 5

LABOR PARTY

DRIVEN ALONG BY A.Q.L, AND r.u. COUNCIL. MR. HAMILTON ON WARPATH, DEMOCRACY IN PERIL. ALTERNATIVE MAY BE COMMUNISM. (Press A scoria ticn). ‘ WELLINGTON, Feb. 15. “It is time we took the business of politics pretty seriously and stated our preference whether we are going to be governed by the Labor party for years to come, or whether we are going to have a Government representing every section of the community/ 3 said the leader of the National Party .the Hon. Adam Hamilton) in addressing a gathering of about 200 from all parts of the electorate in

Wartinborough to-niglit. Air. Hamilton was heard with intense interest and. at the conclusion of Ins reknarks, a hearty vote of thanks and an assurance of undivided loyalty was carried unanimously and with acclamation.

Air. Hamilton said the Labor Government was not truly representative of tho people because it was driven along by a section called the Alliance of Labor and the Trades Union Council During last election, it had promised to remove the sales tax, but it had not done that and, in fact, had clapped on another £3,000,000 in income taxation. This was a time when soma reiief should he given to ll taxpayr. The previous Government had wanted to bring about relief from taxation, but it had to wait until the time was opportune and, finally, it was not given an opportunity. Pointing out the soundness of party government, Air. Hamilton explained that it was impossible to nominate a candidate from a district who would suit all electors. The only thing that was workable was to have two parties, the Government and the Opposition. That worked well in a democratic country for tho Opposition was able to analyse the proposals of the Government and hold up alternative suggestions to the public, which could then judge what was best.

“This country stands for Democracy.” ho said. “Wc don’t belieVe in Fascism or Communism, which are the alternatives, but, if we don’t lot our democratic system work—-and we did not at the last election —then we will have either Fascism or Communism and, personally, I think it will he Communism.”

Air. Hamilton added that he was quite sure that New* Zealand did not want to bo government by the Labor party. It was in for this term, however, and the job., was to organise for two parties.