Leaders Gratified By Result Of Voting

Northern Advocate, 4 August 1949, Page 4

Leaders Gratified By Result Of Voting

THE REFERENDUM ...

“THE result proves that the people can be trusted to decide in an intelligent and definite manner questions of the greatest moment and gravity.” The Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) said this in a national broadcast last night when commenting on the result of the referendum on compulsovy military training. The result, he said, showed that the people of New Zealand were determined to provide for the adequate and efficient defence of the Dominion, her Pacific areas and the British Commonwealth. It would be an encouragement to the people of Britain and other democracies and a contribution toward peace and freedom for mankind.

The scheme, which had been supported by such an overwhelming majority, would be put into operation as soon as possible, continued Mr Fraser. He asked for the assistance of everybody to make it work efficiently and smoothly.

He assured those who had voted against the scheme that the disastrous things forecast by some of the main opponents of the plan would not occur, and thanked all those, including the National Party, and the servicemen's organisations, who had helped in the campaign. ‘.‘l wish to thank most sincerely the great majority of the people who have so convincingly expressed the country’s approval of the scheme,” said Mr Fraser. PEOPLE CAN BE TRUSTED ‘'The result is a splendid one, a fine victory for democracy and for the defence of democratic freedom.” Mr Fraser expressed his thanks to the national organisations of both political parties and the Returned Services Association for their cooperation throughout the campaign and their contribution toward its success. Associated in this were also the organisations of the Air Force, Navy, home servicemen, prisoners of war and war amputees. He spoke warmly of the unity of the Parliamentary parties on this issue and specially thanked Mr Holland for his great assistance. ASSURANCE GIVEN The Prime Minister said he realised that the greater number of those who voted against the proposal had acted sincerely, but he believed they had been greatly misled by some of those who opposed the scheme. Some of these opponents would have preferred a system such as was seen in Eastern Europe today. Mr Fraser said he would like to give. an assurance that the terrible things forecast by these opponents would not come to pass.

The scheme would not mean manpowering, nor would it mean other disastrous things, including the; introduction of the troops into industrial activities.

The decision would not bring the country nearer to war. The contrary was true. The training scheme was not a victory for militarists because there were no militarists in New Zealand and it was not a victory for warmongers because there were no warmongers in New Zealand, nor were there any in the British Commonwealth.

It showed that the people of New Zealand were ready and willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with their kinsmen in the United Kingdom and other parts of the British Commonwealth for the maintenance of- peace and democracy and for the defence of the fundamental freedoms of humanity.