ELECTION CAMPAIGN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 176, 25 June 1938, Page 4

ELECTION CAMPAIGN

MR SEMPLE’S VIEWS. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, June 24. I “It is going to be a proper trial of strength—with useful people on one hand and usuers on the other,” said Hon. R. Semple to-night, discussing the general elections. “People who want a perpetutation of usury will align themselves together as never before, and with all the influence of money, backed by a section of the Press they will fight. We must remember to fight hard, too. That is why 1 am fighting now when I ought to he home with my wife having a rest, but we realise that we-cannot win the election fight by sitting up in Wellington. “The people have become politically minded. Mr Hamilton has said that, but he was on the wrong-track when he gave his reasons. He says it is because the people fear the Labour Government, but they are getting politically minded because they fear that Mr Hamilton and his crowd will come back. They iear the return of clothes drivel, and soup kitchens.

“I have known all the Prime Ministers of New Zealand since Mr Seddon. I have known Mr Seddon, Sir Joseph Ward, Sir William Hall-Jones, Sir Thomas Mackenzie, Mr Massey (I knew him exceedingly well, because lie put me in the ‘cooler’ about five or six times), Mr Coates and Mr Forbes, and the present gentleman at the head of the National Party, dbut I declare that I would rather have had any of them a thousand times than this new leader of the National Party. He is the toughest of the gang. If you do not believe me, put him in and see. Do not say that I am vindictive or spiteful when I say I would rather have Mr Coates than ten Mr Hamiltons.” ■ I ■ NATIONAL PARTY CANDIDATE. Per Press Association. GISBORNE, June 24. The National Party has selected Mr A. W. Clark to contest the Thames seat.