No Need to Get Excited

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 72, 26 March 1936, Page 7

No Need to Get Excited

Every Move Carefully Planned

PRIME MINISTER ON LABOUR POLICY CIVIC RECEPTION IN WELLINGTON Der Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. The Wellington Town llall was packed to-night by an enthusiastic public on the occasion of a civic welcome to the Prime Minister (Mr M. J. Savage). The Mayor, Mr T. C. A. Hisiop, presided, others present including Cabinet Ministers, members of the judiciary, and representatives of local bodies. As one who took some part in the struggle, Mr Hisiop paid tributo to Mr Savage's high standard of conduct during the election campaign. The merit of his victory was enhanced by the method of its achievement. Tonight they were not concerned with the various schools of political thought. They met as follow citizens anxious to give a personal greeting to the occupant of the highest office under the Crown in the State. “ With true appreciation of the nobility of his ideals, of the purity of his motives, of the strength of his convictions, and of his personal integrity," the Mayor concluded, “it is my honour on behalf of the citizens of Wellington to welcome him here to-night." Prolonged applause greeted the Prime Minister when he rose to speak. He thanked the Mayor for the kindly references to himself and the principles for which he stood. “There is no one hero to-night who realises more than I the responsibility I carry in common with my colleagues. I do not think it is egotistical to say that no Government in the history of this country ever enjoyed a greater measure of goodwill from the people than the present Government docs. We realise the size of our job, but after all the problems are only human. They were made by men and women and can be solved by men and women. “During the last three or four days the people havo been told that the Government was out to destroy things and that because of the action of the abour Government capital was leaving the country. Wo arc told that the share market is weakening because of the Labour Government," said Mr Savage, "but curiously enough it is weakening in Australia, too, so we are not only frightening Now Zealand but wo are frightening Australia as well. That is a record of which wc are at least entitled to be proud. “I want to repeat again that that statement, coming as it docs from the 'Kelly Gang-’ of New Zealand, is not going to turn our head. When it comes to a. fight wo are ready to fight, but we will never surrender. We in New Zealand to-day have a greater opportunity than any Labour Government that ever lived. We have tho overwhelming confidence of the people of this country. We have one authority —the Labour Government. “Before three years or so we whi. constitute the first Labour Government in New Zealand expect to be able to prove that we are capable of living up to the highest traditions of our race and that we are capable of serving to the full." Mr Savage predicted the time was near when men or women, or both, re presenting the British Commonwealth of Nations would meet on common ground to discuss and to solve common problems. Unless they have a common purpose and were going consciously forward for its realisation, they would be muddling along as they had been doing for years now, waiting for something to turn up. “However, wo have some responsibility in the matter as a Government. We are not going to shirk any- of it, Wc want to go along the road with you. Wo can understand the impatience on your part; but never forget that the General Election was onlyheld on November 27, and we have been shaping our courso siuce tlion." The .Prime Minister concluded by saying that if he lived for ever he would never forget the courtesies extended to him by people of all shades of political opinion. "I want to say finally," lie added, "that in the days to come we are going to do things all right, but I don't want anyone to get excited. There is no need to get excited at all. Every move that will be made will be made after due consideration and with the object of serving you. It will be made with the idea of going forward and upward with the brakes off."