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Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1938, Page 4

The political campaign was, launched here last evening when Hon. P. Webb, Minister of Mines and Mr Janm» O’Brien, Member for Westland, spoke to a crowded hall. Mr O’Brien led otr in an hour’s address covering much political ground, and touching on many of the vital issues of the day. The speech was well delivered and listened to attentively, and in his review ne contrasted the work of the Labour Government during its three years ot office with that of previous administrations. He reviewed briefly the National policy as disclosed in Hon. A. Hamilton’s manifesto, pointing out how the promises of to-day contrasted with the performance of past days. From that he drew the inference that many of the planks put forward would go the way of former modifications, and that the level of prosperity brought about by the acts of the Labour Government and their economic administration, would quickly disappear, and the country and the masses be back to the former needy and difficult day. Mr O’Brien referred only briefly to his work on behalf of the electorate, and the improvement made in better, access for greater development. Hon. P. C. Webb, who followed, gave some striking figures on that subject, disclosing how well Westland had been treated financially. The Minister, however, also contrasted the present conditions with the old, explaining how the stringency of the depression times had changed to such improved conditions for the workers and the business man. He claimed that the conditions would improve still further under Labour rule, as evidenced by the social security proposals which gave consideration to all. In that connection he traced the building up of the pension scheme, and the objections raised at the outset to the '* relief. Credit was given to those who formulated pensions in the face of opposition, and led the world, as New Zealand was still doing in social and labour legislation. Both speakers had a most cordial reception and hearing, and were on the best terms with the audience throughout. It was an orderly ana appreciative beginning which it is hoped will mark the campaign throughout.