COALITION SUPPORTED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 21029, 13 November 1931, Page 11

COALITION SUPPORTED.

MR. MASSEY IN HAURAKI. LABOUR POLICY CRITICISED. EFFORT TO REGAIN CONFIDENCE. The opening address of his campaign was given by Mr. W. W, Massey, ReformCoalition candidate for Hauraki, in (lie Mangere East Hall last evening. Mr. John Clark presided over an attendance of about 60. Mr. Mnssev referred to tlio claim of the. Labour Party that if returned to oflicc it would raise £25.000,000 in loans spread over three years. "Mr. Holland said in his platform speech that it. would be possible to raise this sum in New Zealand," said Mr. Massey. "He apparently did not realise, or remember, that three years ago the United Party came forward with a spectacular programme of borrowing £70,000.000, and later had to admit that the money could not be raised."

Mr. Massey said he would go so far as to say it was not possible to raise £7.000.000 or £8,000,000 in New Zealand each year for three years. Referring to Mr. Holland's statement that one of the financial advisers, in his evidence before the Economy Committee, said the banks would bo willing to lend several millions, Mr. Massey said this was not altogether correct. It had probably been stated that it might be possible to raise an internal loan. A complete statement of what actually had been said was in course of preparation and would be made public at an early date. Formation of Coalition. Dealing with the movements leading to the formation of the Coalition, Mr. Massey said the withdrawal of tho Labour Party from the Economy Committee, leaving the other two parties, Reform and United, to complete the report, had had a direct bearing on tho fusing of the parties. No doubt the Labour Party withdrew so that it would be able to criticise measures brought as a result of tho report. "I believe the forming of the Coalition was a move in the right direction," he continued. "In fact, I will go further and say that the Labour Party should have been asked to place representatives in the Government formed." Since the formation of tho present Government there had been a feeling of general confidence throughout the country, and he was hopeful that it was a sign that tho depression was beginning to lift. Within 24 hours of the results of the British elections being known in this country there had been a marked increase in confidence in business circles. Confidence was essential to those who had the money that could be released to set in motion the wheels of industry. Derating of Lands.

Mr. Massey said he welcomed the relief accorded in the derating of lands. Rates had in themselves become a rent, although it was well to remember that rates collected were in payment of conveniences which tho various communities were enjoying. The concession granted to county ratepayers would react to the benefit of every section of the community, for if primary producers were not prosperous then that was reflected in every other section or class. The amendment of the graduated land tax had been necessary because it had been found the Act did not operate as it was hoped and intended. Mr. Massey said he did not think it would ever be restored, as farmers' unions had said they would prefer taxation through income tax, and this was what was now conceded to them.

Mr. Massev also spoke on tho unemployment problems, particularly as effecting bovs who were leaving school. He was assured that the Unemployment Board was giving this matter its attention and that some scheme would be brought down at an early date. A unanimous vote of confidence in the candidate was carried.

MR. ATMORE'S POLITICS. INDEPENDENCE RETAINED. [BY TELEGHAI'II. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Thursday. Replying to the invitation by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, to become tlio Coalition candidate for Nelson Mr. 11. Atrnore, after expressing thanks, said lie believed it would be to the best i»:tcrests of his constituents and the Dominion generally if lie retained tlie right to support measures rather than men. Mr. Atmore said ho had always stood as an Independent Liberal, and would designate himself on the. hustings as an Independent United candidate. It was announced this evening that Mr. H. E. Everett had been endorsed as "the Coalition candidate for Nelson.