Mr Fraser

Northern Advocate, 1 December 1949, Page 7

Mr Fraser

“The people have given their decision and we accept the verdict. “The Labour Party, always believing in democracy, accepts with good grace the decision of the people. “1 take this opportunity of congratulating Mr Holland and his party on their success. “Under our democracy the people have the right without fear or interference through the secret ballot to give expression to their wilt. “While I regret that this decision has gone against, the Labour Party, it is the wilt of the majority of the people. “The Labour Party ir opposition will continue to place the country first end will always cooperate both in internal and external policy in everything that will serve and protect our country and promote the welfare of the people. We will strenuously oppose anything which we consider is detrimental to the interests of New Zealand and it? people GOOD WISHES. “The condition of the world today is most unsettled arm unfortunately, Great Britain is going through one of the most difficult periods m her history. “I am sure that all sections of our people will continue to do their utmost to assfst our kinsfolk in the Motherland. ‘ln the unsettled times in the future many difficult tasks of administration. will face Mr Holland and his colleagues, and T wish them well as they take up their duties, so long as they serve the best interests of the people. “I wish to thank all the officers of the public service who have assisted the Government so faithfully and efficiently during Labour’s, term of office. “I also express my sincere thanks to my colleagues in the Cabinet and to all Labour members of Parliament, who have given me such loyal support," ' The Prime Minister expressed his regret at the loss from the Parliamentary Labour Party of the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Nordmeyer), the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Cullen), Dr A. M. - Finlay (North Shore), Mr G. H-. Ormond ■ Wilson (Palmerston North), Mr C - Baxter (Raglan), and Mr T c. Skinneiy <Tamaki). “The Labour Party has suffered a definite reverse,” he added “We have had 14 years of office; we have had the great responsibility of guiding the destinies of the country in peace and war; we have placed on

the Statute Book some of the best legislation measured in terms of human values ever passed by any Parliament.; we have given 14' years of strenuous administrative service and we look back with pride on those active and crowded years. NO OUALIFICA'I lONS.. “We accept the decision of the people without qualification. “The Labour Party ha.-; suffered reverses before, but has always fought on until the principles we stood for were accepted and victorious, and in that spirit we will again face the electors three years from now. “I believe the reverse is only temporary end short-lived. “In the meantime the. Labour Party will continue to defend, and. if poss-

Lie, further promote the structure of social security and sociai justice Which the Labour Government has established.

“We have fought a good fight, and accept this temporary reverse in the

knowledge that the Labour Government has made an outstanding contribution to the progress of New Zealand and the welfare of its people,” Mr Fraser added. “I conclude with the most sincere wishes for the continued success and prosperity of our country and all its people.”