United Party Branch Expresses Approval of Govt. Legislation

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7142, 13 February 1930, Page 5

United Party Branch Expresses Approval of Govt. Legislation

CONFIDENCE IN PRIME MINISTER "That this branch of the United New Zealand Political Organisation has the greatest confidence in the present Cabinet and in Sir Joseph Ward as leader of tlie party. We desire' to express our entire satisfaction with the legislation introduced hy the Government last session. The dismissal of Mr. A. E. Davy meets with our fullest approval, as his statements ' were incorrect, contrary to fact, and made with the intention of deliberately misleading the public, and of damaging the United party in the eyes of the electors.” Such was the text of a resolution passed by a full meeting of the executive of the Palmerston North branch of the United party, presided over on Tuesday evening by Mr. F. Hubbard.

It was also resolved to forward a. copy of the decision to the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward. It was contended by the meeting that in view of the waste of time last session, brought about by the stonewalling tactics of the Reform party, the Government had done wonderful work, this being summarised as follows: — “It immediately dealt with all the applications from settlers and workers for financial assistance through the State Advances Office, which were IS months and 24 months respectively in arrears. “It immediately raised the rate of pay for men engaged on relief work from 12s to 14s per day. “It faced the task of providing work for tho unemployed in a businesslike manner, with tho result that the thousiands of men who registered were provided with employment. “It has made satisfactory progress in providing permanent employment by giving effect to its land settlement policy. “It has placed on the statute book tbe Land and Income Tax Amendment Act, which places a greater share of taxation on the shoulders of those best able to bear it. “It has given effect to the Railway policy by cancelling certain lines and deviations in the course of construction which meant an extravagant waste of public money, and has concentrated on tho construction of main trunk lines only, which are absolutely essential to the development and well-being of the whole Dominion. “It has passed legislation to provide rest homes for the aged and those unfortunates who aro justly entitled to be cared for by tbe State.” The executive considered that these accomplishments, amongst others, provided tangible evidence of the earnest

desire and determination of the United party to give effect to its policy which met with the full approval of the country at the last general election. It was also contended that it gave the lie direct to those who averred that the Government had failed to fulfil its promises, enunciated in its pro-election speeches.