BROKEN PROMISES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22525, 16 September 1936, Page 14

BROKEN PROMISES

GOVERNMENT ATTACKED INCREASE IN COSTS MR. DOIDGE AT ONEHUNGA Except for a small and noisy section at the roar of tho hall, which quietened down when tho chairman appealed for a fair hearing, an audience of nearly 800 electors of Onohunga accorded Mr. F. W. Doidge, National candidate for Manukau, an enthusiastic reception when he addressed them in the Foresters' Hall last night. They listened attentively to his speech, and frequently applauded him for the vigorous manner in which ho dealt with interjectors. Tho Mayor of Onehunga, Mr. J. Park, presided. There was also a large crowd outside tho hall, which listened to the candidate's speech from loud-speakers. " I have been attracting a groat deal of attention from Ministers of the Government," began Mr. Doidge. " Tho Labour Party would have you believe that the Manukau seat is an impregnable stronghold of Labour, anil that the electorate is going to return a Labour candidate. So why is it paying me so much attention? Why is ono Minister aftor another rushing in hero? Fears Well Founded " I take it as a compliment, and also an indication that they are afraid of Doidge—as they have reason to be—because we are going to win this seat." Mr. Doidge dealt at length with what he described as " promises made and broken " by the Government, referring to the promised guaranteed price of Is 3d; tho statements that unemployment would bo reduced, and that there would bo 110 increase in taxation; and tho promises to take off the exchange and tho sales tax.

When liis statements were greeted by another qhorus of interjections, Air. Doidge said they were doing him the world of good. Further interruptions came when Mr. Doidge detailed increases in tho price of foodstuffs, saying tho country was only on tho verge of a riso in costs which would destroy the Government that was responsible. The chairman then issued an appeal to tho audience to give the candidate a fair hearing, and the interjections were not so frequent.

The 40-Hour Week After describing his policy for developing an expanded and sheltered markot for New Zealand's products with Britain, and assisted immigration from Britain's unemployed, Mr. l)oidge referred to a statement by the Hon. P. Eraser that tho 40-hour week was not mainly for tho benefit of those in constant work.

"The Government is simply running away from its policy," declared Mr. Doidgo. "It has opened the floodgates and is afraid of what is going to happen. The result is wo have strikes everywhere, and the pitiful sight of Ministers running round the country going on thoir knees begging men to continue work rather than damage the Government's prestige." The meeting was also addressed by Mr. S. G. Holland, M.P. for Christchurch North, who dealt at length with the industrial legislation passed by the Government, and its effect on industries. He stated that the manufacturing industries were tho most promising avenue to absorb the unemployed, but tho policy of tho present Government, which proclaimed its determination to foster and encourage industry, was having exactly the opposite effect.

A vote of confidence in tho candidate and Mr. Holland was proposed by Mr. M. W. Thompson, and was carried to the accompaniment of cheers, and counter-cheers for Labour.