Mr Doidge Has Higher Hopes Than Nationalist Leader

Grey River Argus, 24 March 1949, Page 5

Mr Doidge Has Higher Hopes Than Nationalist Leader

The National Party had high hopes of winning 20 Labour seats at the coming general election, said Mr F. W. Doidge, M.F., for Tauranga, when he addressed a large audience in Mt. Maunganui. He said the prospects were excellent.

Supporting the principle of pensions for fnemoers of Parliament, Mr Doidge said they tended to attract representatives of a better type, who had successful business careers. For the bulk of National Party members it ™rs a real sacrifice to enter the House of Representatives. A Socialist was not greatly affected, as it was probably the best job he would ever hold.

Referring to the Servicemen’s Settlement and Land Sales Act. he said the difference in values between 1942 and 1949 should be borne by the whole country, instead of by individual vendors. The present valuations were preposterous. The high cost of living was hitting every home and the stabilisation policy was negatived by the actions, of the militant unions. The election would be fought in the kitchens of the Dominion. To remedy the housing situation it was essential to concentrate on building, even if it was necessary to import builders.

The danger of Communism was as great in New Zealand as in Europe, added Mr Doidge. He said he would like to see a law enacted prohibiting an avowed Communist from holding office in a trade union.