NATIONAL PARTY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32312, 13 September 1943, Page 6

NATIONAL PARTY

ADDRESS BY MR W. CLARK PARTY POLICY OUTLINED MEETING AT KARANGAHAKE k , Mr W. A. Clark, official candidate for the New Zealand 1 National Party was present at a public meeting addressed by Mr S. G. Holland, Leader of the Opposition, at Te Aroha on Monday, and in the evening himself placed the policy of the party before a representative meeting at Karangahake.

“Land settlement is a vital part of New Zealand’s rehabilitation programme and calls for the greatest care, preparation and farsightedness,” said Mr Clark. “Returned soldier settlers and their wives are entitled to good homes with modern conveniences, whilst up-to-date educational, health, postal and transport services must be made available. In settling people on the'land the guiding principle must be settlement at the productive value, and no more. Settlers must have a sound knowledge of farming, dnd those without experience will be trained.”

There was a number of good-hum-oured interjections and after the address a friendly discussion on political matters took place. Mr Clark was accorded a vote of thanks on the motion of Mr Bunting, and in seconding, this Mr Cotter stated that Karangahake was a Labour stronghold, and whilst most of those present were opposed to Mr Clark politically they appreciated his evident sincerity and courtesy, and were satisfied Mr Thorn had an opponent who would fight a clean fight.

AT WAITAWHEJTA

WELL ATTENDED MEETING

A well-attended' meeting assembled at Waitawheta on Tuesday afternoon, and a most attentive hearing- was given Mr Clark in expounding the policy of the National (Party. The speaker dealt at length with the - Servicemen’s Settlement- Bill and Land Sales Act, stating that this had nothing to do with the settlement of servicemen and claiming that the measure was introduced to give effect to the present Government’s policy of leasehold tenure. “The idea behind it is the nationalisation of the land,” said Mr Clark, “the Government does not want neople to own their own homes- and be free and independent—it wants people 'to live in State homes, on State farms and he subject to the State.” Mr Clark, continued to speak on the rehabilitation policy of the party, and at the conclusion of his address answered ? number of questions. A. motion of thanks .and confidence m Mr Clark was moved by Mr A. Harris and seconded by Mr Franklin. This was carried unanimously with acclamation.