LABOUR LEGISLATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22475, 20 July 1936, Page 12

LABOUR LEGISLATION

COST TO THE COUNTRY EX-MINISTER'S CRITICISM [by telegraph—own correspondent] DUNEDIN, Saturday The policy of the Labour Government was vigorously attacked by three Otago and Southland Opposition members of Parliament at a preliminary meeting to consider the formation of a National Party. The Hon. Adam Hamilton contended that the Labour Party was not qualified by experience, training or ability to rule, and that it did not have a mandate. "I believe," he said, "that it will fail fifst of all in the handling of our money. Money and the payment of interest is anathema to Labour men. 1 am sure if Labour is the Government for three years it will add at least £20,000,000 to our national debt without any assets. The Labour Party made many election promises. Some are hard to fill; we all find that out. However, it is wise and tactical to fulfil election promises, and some of them are causing embarrassment to-day." Mr. W. A. Bodkin declared that the Labour Party was pledged to destroy the capitalistic system, and would go further toward Socialism than any other country, exfcopting Soviet Russia. The view of Mr. James Hargest was that the Government was composed of "out and out" revolutionaries.

All appealed for an alliance of the anti-Labour forces under one flag, with an agreed policy and with the support of youth. It was intimated that within the next few weeks meetings would be held in various electorates in Southland and Otago to form committees.