MANDATE CLAIMED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIII, Issue 258, 29 September 1943, Page 5

MANDATE CLAIMED

COMMENT BY PREMIER. (Press Assn) WELLINGTON, Sept. 29 “The general election contest is over. The battle lias been won by Labour and won handsomely,” says the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) in an article in the official Labour weekly newspaper. “While Labour’s very largo majority has been materially decreased, owi«g mainly to the diversion of votes to those who both used and demeaned the name of Democratic Labour, our present majority is substantial and satisfactory, and is quite adequate to enable us to carry on the Government of New Zealand efficiently and effectively, with credit to Labour and with additional lasting benefits and blessings for the people. “On the eve of the election I asked for the approval and endorsement of the people of New Zealand for the Government’s war effort. We have received that approval and endorsement,” Mr Fraser adds. “The jieople of New Zealand, including men of the Forces abroad and at home, whoso votes were cast so overwhelmingly for Labour, have given a definite, decisive, and full mandate to the Government to implement its programme. The people of New Zealand, including the men of the Forces, have given a definite, decisive, and full condemnation of the policy of the Nationalist Party. The Government will exercise fully the mandate we have receiyed from the people. We are completely capable of discharging this great trust. Our past achievements have proved that fact. We do not propose to bo handicapped or trammelled fn any way by sharing the authority for carrying out our policy, and the legislative and administrative plans for its realisation, with any person or party which has opposed us and our programme and has been rejected by the people.” After referring to tlie formation of the War Administration in 1942, Mr Fraser states that the National Party, by its action then had destroyed all hope of achieving national political unity. After such an experience, any further efforts in the same direction would bo futile. “Tlie Labour Government will win the peace for the people of New Zealand and by maintaining our high social and economic conditions make social security and social justice impregnable in this green and pleasant land,” declares Mr Fraser. “I conclude with my highest appreciation of and sincerest thanks to the Maori people, who sweepingly led the way to another Labour victory.”