WOMEN MEET

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32316, 20 September 1943, Page 2

WOMEN MEET

ADDRESS BY MR W. CLARK

EXCELLENT ATTENDANCE THANKS AND CONFIDENCE An excellent attendance of ladies assembled at St. James’ Hall, Thames, when the speaker for the afternoon was Mr W. A. Clark, National Candidate for the Thames electorate. Mrs G. L. Shaw presided and introduced 'the speaker, stating that Mr Clark needed little introduction to a Thames audience.

The candidate was in good form and his address was listened to with interest. Mr Clark, who was received with applause, spoke on many of the important political matters adversely affecting the women of the Dominion. Mr Clark spoke at length, regarding the Leader of the party, Mr S. G. Holland, who upon his return from the last war, in which he served' with distinction, put his grant for war service into a small manufacturing business, which has now grown to a large concern. This has largely been achieved by the introduction of a co-operative system, and every week a share of the profits was distributed to the employees. “It is by these methods the Leader of the ‘National Party has proved himself a good businessman, and I think the affairs of State can safely be left in his hands,” said Mr Clark. This statement was greeted with applause.

In outlining the policy of the party Mr Clark dealt chiefly with those sections affecting the women and children; reduction in taxation for the family man—relief for mothers—home help training centres to ibe established —the status of domestics to be raised like that of nursing, to a profession, remission of duty on household electrical appliances.

Other matters dealt with by Mr Clark were the rights of tenants of State houses to purchase those houses if desired.

The speaker also stated that the Internal Marketing Department would be definitely abolished.. (Applause), In conclusion the speaker expressed ' his pleasure at the interest being disi played in politics to-day, but regretted ! the necessity of having to fight an i election in war time. "We should have followed the example of Gt.

Britain, dropping all domestic differences, and assuring an united front to win the war,” said Mr Clark, “however, the present Government had to accept responsibility for the election by refusing to co-operate with the Opposition, in spite of repeated overtures.

On the motion of Mesdames Poulgrain and Lockett, a vote of thanks was accorded Mr Clark, and a vote of confidence in the National Party carried unanimously.