POLITICAL GROUP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22917, 21 December 1937, Page 15

POLITICAL GROUP

freedom; association NATIONAL PARTY'S WELCOME STRUGGLE AGAINST SOCIALISM [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] INVERCARGILL, Monday The establishment of the Auckland Provincial Freedom Association as an independent organisation to stimulate interest in politics and to maintain vigilance in the maintenance of democratic and constitutional rights is regarded by the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Adam Hamilton, as a step of great potential importance in the struggle against Socialism. " There can be no question of any division of forces in this matter," Mr. Hamilton said. "As I see it, there is a group in Auckland which is entirely opposed to the principles of the Labour movement, a group which shares the belief of the National Party in the lasting virtues of personal liberty as opposed to the doctrine of a totalitarian State. That the new organisation elects to remain independent in certain respects does not affect the issue a scrap. It is ready for alliance with the National Party and prepared to give us its support because our ideals are the same. That is all that matters. We must have a united front against Socialism and we arc ready to welcome and co-operate with any organisation which sees the danger confronting New Zealand to-day and which is willing to fight against it." Objects will Appeal The objects of the new association, Mr. Hamilton continued, would appeal to all people who wished to enjoy the just rewards of their own initiative and endeavour. He recalled that some months ago, following the Dominion conference of the National Party, he had issued a general statement giving a broad outline of the party's policy. The viewpoint expressed in the new association's manifesto appeared to strike a similar note. The association would be of great assistance to the Opposition, which had been endeavouring for months to direct political thought to the evils of the Government policy, which was entirely materialistic. Tribute to Professor " It says much for the standing of the new body that it has been able to obtain the 'services of such a noted man as Professor, R. M. Algie," Mr. Hamilton continued. " I know him by repute as a man of keen intellect and the highest principles. As an authority on constitutional law he has been in a unique position to detect inherent weaknesses in the Labour Government's legislation. He is to be congratulated on his courage in leaving a sheltered post for the heat and acrimony of the political arena in order to expose weaknesses which he knows to exist."