“FORWARD AND UPWARD”

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 26 March 1936, Page 5

“FORWARD AND UPWARD”

SPEECH BY HON. M. J. SAVAGE AS LEADER OF LABOUR MOVEMENT # Speaking at a civic reception in the Wellington Town Hull last evening the Prime Minister, the Hon. M. J. Sa\ - age, thanked tlie Mayor of Wellington for his kind references to his predecessor (the late Mr H. E. Holland), i Those who knew the history of the Labour movement in New Zealand would know the fight Mr Holland had put up. Unfortunately he did not live : to see the fruits of victory. Mr Savage also thanked the Mayor for Ins re--1 marks concerning himself. He. liimseli, could recall the names of John Ballance. Richard John Seddon. John McKenzie, jPember Reeves, Sir Joseph Ward - and a host of others. All one had to do i was to mention them to see that then nalmes were still green in the minds of New Zealanders. “We not only have monuments in a material way. j but we also have their works which 'are the greatest monument of all. “We accept the responsibility that lias been given u.s with all humility hut without fear. No Government in the history of this country ever enjoyed a greater measure of goodwill.” The problems before them had been made by men and women and they could be solved by men and women.

DISTRIBUTION THE REAL

PROBLEM

The problem was not one of production but of distribution. “And we not only have national problems, but problems that arc international.” New Zealand had to carry her share. New Zealand led the world in the past and would lead tlie world in tlie days to come. “I say that, without anything in the nature of egotism.” “The Mayor has suggested it was out of place to talk politics but I’m going to venture on tlie edge of the Political arena. During the last three or four days we have been told we arc out to destroy things. We have been told that capital is leaving New Zealand and that the share market is weakening but it is weakening in Australia also. Well, it is a record of influence we are entitled to be proud of. But that statement coming as it did from the “Kelly Gang” of New Zealand will not turn our heads.” If it was a fight they were ready to fight, but they would never surrender. “All we have to do is to go straight ahead and upward, and without the brakes His Worship, the Mayor, had stated | u . hoped local government would not be interfered with. He agreed with that. Government had to he taken as humanly possible to the firesides of the people. ‘ That meant governing from the home. “We have the overwhelming confidence of the people, and there is but one Government, and one authority—-a Labour Government. Ever since the election I have assured you no word of mine or action of mine would be responsible for doing any injustice to you. 1 know men and women are capable of making mistakes. We may make some m istakes.” It was only those who did nothing that did not make mistakes.

Continuing Mr Savage said tlie newspapers had a great opportunity to serve. “I am asking’ them to admit 1 might he right some times and I’m optimistic enough to think they’ll do. it. If they agreed with me all the time I’d think there was something wrong with me and them.” During the election campaign he was not always delighted with what they had said but lie had no complaints to make and he had had none since. They had done fail-1 v well since and he suggested that tlicv' should try to do better m the' future. The problems facing the country were human problems. It was a question of shaping their methods for more equitable distribution. “It is only just a question how we are going to make the benefits of science and machinery go to the people. They must be made available for the rank and file of humanity.” There was no greater privilege than to serve and before their three years Were up they expected to prove they were capable of serving to the full.

PROBLEMS BEYOND NEW

ZEALAND

After all. as he had indicated, they also had problems beyond New Zealand. The world was at the parting of the ways. The time was near when men and women representing the Common*, wealth of Nations comprising the British Empire would meet on common ground and solve their problems. Ihey would meet, not for 12 days but for 1montlis or 12 years if necessary. “We can : , 0 50,000 or 00,000 of us, to Britain aiid walk into tlie homes of our relatives. The time is opportune when all should feel they have a common destiny and with their unlimited powers of production, bring about equitable distribution. , ~ Whether they spoke of distribution, defence or transport—they would have a common purpose. “Unless we can have a purpose, we will be muddling along as we have been for years—waiting for something to turn up.” “Since the election we hiwe been shaping our course. Your job will he to stand by us as you stood by us on 27tli November. I’m here not only as a representative of Labour in Parliament, but of tlie Labour Movement throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand, promising you that the pledges given will be carried out. We are starting on the job now. We 11 never surrender the l ight that lias been 0-iven by von, to give a lead in shaping the destiny of this wonderful Dominion. To-morrow we begin in earnest. I hope before many days go by we will be right into tilings of a legislative character. We are here as builders, not as destroyers. Every stop will be measured before it is taken.” He counted it a privilege, and it was a privilege to lie among them, and to the people of New Zealand lie would say lie had enjoyed the great privilege of tlieir courtesy. There would he no need for anyone to be excited. Every movement they made would he made only after due consideration. “We are-going forward and upward with the brakes off.” Was there any reason why there should be destitution in New Zealand? Poverty would he abolished at the earliest possible moment and abolished for all time. His pledge was to the people. The Government’s job was to see that the people’s savings were made possible in the first place, and safeguarded in the- -second place.