POLITICAL ADDRESS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32314, 15 September 1943, Page 6

POLITICAL ADDRESS

MEETING AT WHITIANGA MR THORN ON There was a large percentage of the public of Whitianga present at the meeting held in the public hall on Friday evening, when Mr J. Thorn, M.P., spoke in regard to the Labour Party and the forthcoming election. Mr Brophy of Whitianga in his capacity as chairman, called upon the public to express their loyalty and appreciation of the recent victory in Europe, by rising as the National and American Anthems’ were played.

Mr Brophy said; in introducing Mr Thorn to the meeting., that the member of Parliament for Thames, Mr Thorn, was a household word in the district, and that the people just needed to look about and see the works and improvements which have 'been carried out throughout Thames, as a result of his representation in Parliament.

Mr Thorn thanked the chairman for his kindly remarks to himself and to the works that he had been able to do for and around this district as a result of his representation in Parliament.

“It is true what Mr Brophy has said. In every Way there are improvements in the district as a result of my representation. I hope,” continued Mr Thorn, “that this work will speak for me.”

Mr Thorn then expressed views on the war administration, and again in speaking of Social Security described it as “a great piece of humanitarian legislation.” Mr Thorn quoted the words of Mr Adam Hamilton when he said “that the Social Security Act was financially impossible.”

Mr Thorn expressed views on the difficulties facing the Government during wartime, when a peacetime programme had to be transformed into a wartime programme. “When this war came, this Government had to face up to the problems facing it. We have nothing to apologise for,” said Mr Thorn, “ our achievement has been a great one. We have been more suoeiassful than any other Government in the whole world, in keeping down the cost of living.” Mr Thorn lengthily expounded on soldiers’ rehabilitation, and in speaking of the ex-servicemen’s and women’s pension said “There is ; nothinglike this for generosity in a war pension in the world.”

Mr Thorn referred to the Atlantic Charter and stressed points five and six. “You see, we have made Social Security fashionable for the world,” said Mr Thorn. “It has even been provided for in the Atlantic Charter.

“My friends,” said Mr Thorn, “they are the very things the New Zealand Labour Party has been fighting for, ever since the Labour Party began. If you believe in them,” continued Mr Thorn, “and want them, you have to work for them and fight for them. You have to put into power the party that has been for them. What is the good of putting into power the party which opposed the Social Security Act.”

A lively session of questions followed Mr Thorn’s address, and the meeting concluded at 11.35 p.m.

ADDRESS BY MRS THORN MEETING HELD AT WHITIANGA Speaking earnestly and with conviction, Mrs J. Thorn, wife of the member of Parliament for the Thames electorate, addressed a gathering of ladies in the Whitianga public hall on Friday afternoon. Mrs Thorn was introduced to the meeting by the. chairman, Mrs S Tucker, after which the National and American Anthems were played by Mrs Rose. Mrs Thorn said that this ■was the first time in history that the Labour Government had come to the people to ask for re-election in a time of war. “What I say to you this afternoon,” continued Mrs Thorn, “I say presuming that you people know about the make-up of the capitalist society—boom, slump and war.” Mrs Thorn read a copy of the Atlantic Charter, and drew attention to several points of the eight-point charter which, said 'Mrs Thorn, “formed the pith and substance of the Labour Movement all over the world.” Following an outline of the Labour Party’s achievements in the past

eight years, Mr Thorn went on to say, “I claim that Social Security in New Zealand has changed the face of society. What we have done, Europe can very well do, without this welter of blood every twenty-five years.” After a brief glimpse at the bill for settlement for soldiers on the land, Mrs Thorn said that “small farmers have nothing to fear.” s A vote of thanks on behalf of those present, was expressed by Mrs Brophy to Mi's Thorn, and in response Mrs Thorn extended the thanks to the chairman. After the meeting, several of the ladies adjourned to the residence of Mrs S. Tucker, where a delightful afternoon tea was served in honour of Mrs Thorn.