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Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1938, Page 4

Likk father, like son,” had an exemplification last evening when Mr E. I). E. Taylor, the National candidate, addressing a large audience, declared himself to be an Independent. Nationalist. His late father in the political arena was an Independent, and as a free lance came into prominence in the political life of the country. The speaker last evening had other quali-

tics also such as direct address and ; confident declaration. The party has been fortunate in securing so versatile a candidate for a seat difficult to win. His handicap of youth and lack of actual experience, is made up by an aptness for ready speech and a style arresting in delivery, as well as a general knowledge which qualified him last evening to hold an attentive audience for two hours and a half, and meet the interjectors, a band of hecftlers who made no material 'headway in the effort to put the speaker off his track. Mr Taylor attacked Socialism as the outstanding objective ' of the Government. Socialism has been with us since Christianity was founded ana expounded, and naturally there are varying degrees of such a policy. Mr Taylor’s charge was that the aim was wholly State Socialism to the exclusion of the individual, but of course, even though Labour aims at Socialisation pf production, distribution and exchange, Ministers are declaring that ' the complete control is not the intention. There are advances along those lines. As for instance the benevolent control in-the purchase of dairy produce, the organisation of road transport as an addition to railway traffic, and so on. It might be clarified these examples are of benevolent intent, similar to the control of the post office and the railways—for the better service to tile people. The distinction in these matters will of course be weighed by the electors as to whether the policy pursued is tending too far. Mr Taylor analysed the security plan on lines familiar to those heard in Parliament, and condemned it. The plan the National Party is putting forward follows the Labour scheme a long way—and must of necessity be a costly undertaking, but while criticising Labour’s figures in reference to cost, offer none to explain away the one aspect of the matter which is really the deciding factor. Both schemes will involve a large expenditure and radical changes, but while one is universal, the other is restrictive, and is going to be governed by a means test which continues the system along existing lines. We are still to hear the cost estimated for all this before the public—many thousands of whom are directly affected—will he prepared to accept the lessor service. Mr Taylor had a good deal to sa.v about increasing land settlement as a means for greater production, but offered no revised policy to that end. Likewise, in ’.accordance with the declared National policy, wages, hours, etc.,' were all accepted as at to-day. Except in details affecting expenditure and unionism, the Labour achiev)ement.s received little criticism. But in bis lengthy address, Mr Taylor made a good impression and his advent will be welcomed as a promising youpg man in a field of action where younger men such as he are now in demand. Such candidates as Mr Taylor, bold of speech with youthful confidence to begin with, should in due course find a place, in the councils of State, and assist' to give vitality to the work to be done.