Furthering Mr Nash's Interests for Election

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 174, 26 July 1935, Page 5

Furthering Mr Nash's Interests for Election

SUPPORTERS HOLD MEETING. Tliere was a representative gathering of citizens held this week to advance tho candidature of Mr. J. A. Nash, M.P.', for tho Palmerston scat at the forthcoming general election. Mr. Nash thanked those present for their indications of goodwill, and commented that numerous apologies for absence had been received with best wishes for the success of the campaign and assurances of whole-hearted support. .The meeting was merely of a preliminary nature, for an informal discussion, he added, but the messages already received had been most gratifying. Nevertheless it was necessary, with three candidates in the field, to prepare the ground work. It was unanimously agreed that Mr. A. J. Graham should be official chairman of the campaign committee, ani. Colonel J. H. Whyte deputy-chairman. Mr. Nash said that the Government had been compelled during tho past few years to adopt legislation which made them very unpopular, but New Zealand was now in a position to wipe out its deficit, and the success of the recent conversion loan showed that the credit of the Dominion stood high in England.

Owing to the unavoidable absence of Mr. Graham, the chair was then taken by Colonel Whyte, who said that the campaign was one requiring extensive organisation. It was due to them t* show their appreciation to Mr. Nash and their confidence in the Government.

Mr. J. McLeod expressed confidence that Mr. Nash would again top the poll, and paid a tribute to his capabilities, energy and services. His work during the groat epidemic of 1918 would never be forgotten, he said, and they ought to be proud to have available the. services of a man of his calibre.

Moved by Mr. McLeod and second cd by Mr. Hayward, the following resolution was then carried unanimous ly:—

“That this meeting of supporters of Mr. J. A. Nash, M.P., assures him of its unswerving loyalty, and appreciates the excellent servico he has rendered to this city, the district, and the Dominion generally and pledges itself to secure his return again at the next election.” Complimentary references were made to the work of the member for Palmerston, Mr. W. P. Durward stating that during his (the speaker’s) residence of 33 years in the city, Mr. Nash had done more for Palmerston North than any other man. Subsequently matters of organisation were discussed and arrangements made for a vigorous campaign.

Mayor Refers to His Parliamentary Candidature

At tlio Takuro A-.ogiessive Assoeia-, tion-'s annual social the Mayor (Mr. A. E. Hansford), who is standing as an Independent candidate for the Palmerston seat at the next election, said that he did not intend to deliver an address at the function which had a bearing on his candidature for the Palmerston seat, but at a later date, along with other candidates, he would take the opportunity of placing before them his proposals for the Government of the Dominion.

It was his ambition to take into national administration the ideas that had actuated his policy up to the present. In passing, he commented that thero could bo a marked improvement in unemployment relief in New Zealand. The Unemployment Board was giving voice now to only the same views as had been stated when it was first set up, but in that period no major plan of action had been adopted.

• He had made numerous references to monetary matters, and statements by others more qualified than he was to make them had justified his conviction that the Government was doing nothing to rectify an unjust monetary system. He could not at present say whether he would continue to occupy the office of Mayor of the city if he should be elected to represent the constituency in Parliament, added Mr. Hansford. His decision in that TCgard would bo made when the results of the elections were known.

In the course of a speech of welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Mansford, Mr. E. H. Smith, president of the Takaro Progressive Association, said that ho had been wondering if the city would lose Mr. Hansford’s services as Mayor if ho was elected to Parliament. Mr. Mansford said it had been his policy "never to cross his bridges until he came to them.” He would be able to tell the citizens of Palmerston North rnoro after the elections. He had done his best for Palmerston North as Mayor, and, if elected, it would still be his aim to do his best in the interests of the city. If ho were elected, and if he thought that he could do more for the city in devoting all his attention to Parliamentary matters, then ho would naturally give way to another man.