STEADY GAIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23061, 11 June 1938, Page 17

STEADY GAIN

THE NATIONAL PARTY

MR. HAMILTON'S SURVEY VITAL ISSUES AT STAKE FIGHT AGAINST SOCIALISM The belief that the National Party has gained immeasurably in strength as a result of the increased general interest in politics -was expressed by the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. A. Hamilton, in addressing members of the party at a reception tendered to him on his arrival in Auckland yesterday afternoon. Since Mr. Hamilton delivered his broadcast speech in Hamilton last Monday night, he has been touring various electorates in the South Auckland division and he will leave today on a visit to North Auckland.

"In the election campaign now before us," said Mr. Hamilton, "there are vital issues at stake. We have seen already that efforts are being made to sidetrack us, but we must keep on focussing public attention on the fundamental differences in principle underlying the political beliefs of the National Party and the Labour Party. The Labour Party wants absolute State direction and control; we stand for the greatest possible freedom for the individual. "Government Agitated"

"Recent events show that we have got the Government agitated, at any rate," Mr. Hamilton continued. "Ministers are not speaking with one voice, but are spending a good deal of time contradicting one another. However, we cannot take too muoh for granted. We must stick to our principles and see to it that the vital issues are not overlooked." Mr. Hamilton paid a tribute to the "wonderful band, of new candidates" who had come forward to assist a loyal band of old friends in the fight against socialism. Men who had previously been reluctant to face the hurly-burly of politics had realised this year that there was an insistent call for their services and in some electorates there had been as many as four or five firstclass men available for the selection of a candidate. The fact that such men were willing to sacrifice their own personal interests to assist the National Party's cause told its own story. Trades Hall Domination "Politics to-day have become so widespread,'* said Mr. Hamilton, "that there is not a section of our national life which they do not affect. Good government is the first essential for New Zealand, and every thinking person must see for himself that the present Government is heading for the rocks. "The trouble is that the Labour Party is largely controlled by extremists. I was talking just the other day to a Labour man whom I admire and respect and he himself freely admitted that the party is dominated by the Trades Hall. We have to show the working man that under such a system his interests are not being conserved and that, in fact, they-will be far safer with us.

"Th«* Labour people are talking about misrepresentation," Mr. Hamilton continued. "We are not going to allow any misrepresentation, but we are going to hold things down to the main issue. If the present Government is confirmed in office,, it will go baldheaded for the elimination of private property and private wealth. It is no use Ministers denying it; it has been their policy for 20 years Putting Things Right "I have heard people say that it would not be a bad thing if Labour had another term and was given enough rope to hang itself. That is an extremely short-sighted attitude. Up to now, the Government has been attaining its objective by stealth, but practically every piece of legislation which it has passed fits into place in the plan for the ultimate socialisation of the means of production, distribution and exchange. We must put a stop to this process as soon as possible. In the last three years, Labour has so disarranged the economic system of the Dominion that it is going to be a mighty hard job to put things right again." Mr. Hamilton was given a most enthusiastic reception, with musical honours, and at the conclusion of his address he introduced several National Party candidates to the meeting.