GENERAL ELECTIONS

Grey River Argus, 17 June 1943, Page 2

GENERAL ELECTIONS

HON. J. O’BRIEN S ADDRESS At the Lyceum Hall A combined meeting of the Grey L. and Grey branch of the Labour Party was held in the Lyceum Hall on Monday, 14th inst., for the purpose of setting up an Election Committee. There was a crowded attendance. Mr. J. B. Kent, president of tjie branch, was in the chair. He welcomed the Hon. Jas. O’Brien, M. of Marine and Transport, stating that as Mr. O’Brien was visiting the district, opportunity was taken to have him address the meeting. The Minister who received an enthusiastic welcome, spoke for one and a half hours and at the conclusion of a splendid address was greeted with tumultous applause. He stated that, when discussing the present Budget,’ one had to examine the historical background and the events leading up to the present time. When Labour took office, it received tne heritage of the depression. Those were the days when more than ntty per cent, of the farmers were facing insolvency; when queues lined up in all the towns for rations; when factories, mills, and warehouses, were closed; and when misery and fear stalked the land.' Tne critics of the Labour Government, he said, were no friends ofthe farmers, even though Mr. Mullholjand was advising farmers to join forces with the National Party, Dor manv vears the farmers wanted their own party and the Tories quickly took thp opportunity to ally themselves with them. The late R. Seddon saw this, and knew it would create a split between town ana country, and could be harmful to the people. However, they, the farmers, under the Tory Administration were demanding increased prices for tneir butter fat and other considerations.. They were of the opinion that if they received lOd per pound lor butter fet, their problems would be solved. Yet when Labour came into powe and they received Is Id or more per pound, they were advised to join me Nationalist Party, and they have to face the fact that this election will be fought with the possibility ot the farmers being in the Nationalist Camp although the working farmer would, no doubt, remember the days when he could not sell his produce, the days when there were 70,000 registered unemployed and 30,000 to 40,000 not registered. He would not like to return to those days and tne farmer could be assured that if Latour- keeps in office he will not. "It is a strange thing about human nature that when people receive sufficient to pay taxes they grumble, ~ he said. “It is easy to unaerstand « situation where people would grumble and growl if they were not gettlnc enough, but when they are, it seems to be a case of ‘let the other fellow pay but I don't want to. From 1935 to the .present day the Labour Government had put sufficient money in circulation to build houses, roads, factories, mills and social services until there came a demand for goods on such a scale that unemployment disappeared. Ifley were in the midst of a mighty social reconstruction programme when the war came. To-dav they had an army of over 160,000 in camp overseas. Our lads have fought in Crete, Greece. Egypt, and Tunisia; they gained great distinction and the Government recognised the debt of gratitude owing to them. “In production this country is playing a worthy part,”. he said, “Many workers are toiling 60 and <0 hours per week, and are breaking records for output. Some sections of the Tory Press refer to the workers as loafers and shirkers, but the figures are on record to prove the part being played by them.” Referring to the present Budget. Mr. O’Brien pointed out because there was a feeling of relief that there tvas no increase in taxation, many people failed to look at it as closely as it deserved. He pointed out this was a Budget that dealt with both peace and war. Provision was made to finance the war and provide our forces with the tanks, guns, and the planes they needed. It also made provision for the production and manufacture of goods after the war is won that will be of benefit to the neople. A vast organisation had been set up to build hospitals, bases and depots for the Americans, but this organisation would be bl. increased value when peace comes. It could build homes for our soldiers, make roads and bridges, and open new industries. This war had nroved there were hardlv any limits to. human endeavour, and if we made use of the experience gained at great cost we could go on to build a great future and a han-'' people. "The Labour Government,” declared the Minister, “has visions of a world where neople can live their own lives, build their own future and do so free from fear of brutal aggression. We also wish to see a world free from booms and slumps, a world where man can provide things for his requirements, where m<m may take advantage of the bounty of nature, and can feel assured of’ living in peace and happi- , ness and will take care of the aged and infirm.”

Mr. O'Brien said he wished to stress some facts and asked that very careful consideration be given to them. “This is election year and the most important in the history of this country/’ he said. “Why? Because it will decide manv questions, vital to us all. It will decide who is to conduct the War Effort. It will decide the question we heal’ discussed today, how is the wav to be paid for. It will decide the Rehabilitation question. It will decide the future of pensions and social security it. will decide man-power questions and the housing policy. Are we concerned about these matters? Has it occurred to us as electors, that we have privoleges and rights and alsq duly We have the right} to vote for the ■party or person whom we consider will do the best for the country. We have the definite' duty to perform of *' nirnz deeplv of the matters I have just mentioned. “You have this question to ask ■yourselves. Which partv has adopted the slogan—“ The greatest good for the greatest number?’’ One party, and one party only, has done that, and it is the Labour Party. I make this statement knowing full well that a number of people grumble. They complain about lining up in a queue for the purchase of sweets. They lament the price of beer and the shortage of biscuits and razor blades. Yes, there are grumblers and moaners! I wonder would they moan so much if they were to. sit down and do a bit of thinking,—if thev were to ask themselves this question: Would they be allowed to moan and comnlain if the little brown men of Nippon occupied this country? Do they realise they are safe and free simply because some-one-is out in the front line fighting to keep the Japanese away? A huge

Lancaster bomber has just flown over this country. Suppose that, instead of one, there were hundreds of them and they were enemy bombers —what then? Think of China, England, Russia, france and the answer is plain. This brings us back to the elections and the Labour Party. How many people realise that when the Labour Party took office in 1935, we had no Air Force; that the Labour Government quickly realised the menace of- Hitler and the Japanese Officer Caste and set to work to build an Air Force and aerodromes. The Labour Government knew the intentions of the. Fascists, and set to work so that this country could be defended. It obtained air and military experts from England, and with their aid worked out plans that have stood us in good stead; and, while doing so; went ahead with the social programme, development schemes and the task of finding employment for every able-bodied person. I think this proves verv conclusive! v the claim that they stand for “The greatest good for the greatest number.” “What did the National Party do? One has but to remember the depression to answer that question. What will they do in the future? We don’t need to guess, because they answer this themselves. If you listened into the Budget speeches, you heard Mr. Doidge complain that per * cent, was the most offered the bond holder in the war loan. He demanded 4 per cent, and there you have it, more for the debenture holder; never mind thinking about the sacrifices of those in the front line! The same cynical attitude prevailed during the depression. The' sacrifice would not be too great if the money were lent interest free and in our hearts we know it.’ Mr. O’Erien concluded by pointing out there was a danger of being complacent during the coming elections. He hoped a good working committee would be formed. , Many questions were asked, inese were answered by Mr O’Brien in a most satisfactory manner Mr. Kent thanked the Minister foi his .inspiring address. He said Mr. O’Brien had endeared himself, to tne people because of his high principles and sterling character. It gave him great pleasure to move the following resolution: — ~ “That- we assure our Honourable Member, James O’Brien, of our continued confidence and pledge ourselves to do all in our power to secure the return of the Labour Government thus safeguarding our present high standard of living, and social services and preserving a solid foundation for successful rehabilitation and a better and brighter New Zealand after victory.” , This was seconded by Mr. P. o r arrell and carried with great applause. Mr. O’Brien in reply, said hei tried to do his best to serve the people ot Westland and if re-elected would continue to do so. Mr. Kent them moved that an Election Committee be formed by all present. This was carried. Mr Kent was appointed Chairman and Miss M. Anderson Deputy Chairman. Mr. W. Caldwell was appointled secretary and Mr. J. Finlay as- ! sistant secretary. ■ It was decided to hold a further | meeting on the 21st instant at 8 p.m. when the question of appointing an Organiser will be discussed.