WELCOME AT ROTORUA

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

WELCOME AT ROTORUA

OBJECTIVES OF PARTY INTERESTS OF ALL CLASSES AIDING PRIVATE ENTERPRISE [BT TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] ROTORUA, Friday Piped into the theatre by pipers of the Rotorua Caledonian Society, the Hon. A. Hamilton was accorded an enthusiastic reception by an audience which filled' the Majestic Theatre last night, when he gave his first public address in Rotorua since assuming the leadership of the National Party. After expressing appreciation for tho welcome extended him, Mr. Hamilton in his address trenchantly criticised theadministration of the Labour Government and concluded by giving an outline of the main points of the National Party's platform. The National l?arty, he said, stood for the betterment of all classes of the community, not only one section, as was being done by the Labour Government. He claimed that working men were joining tho ranks of tho National Party in hundreds. Every encouragement must be given to private enterprise/ which at present was rapidly being killed by the Government's socialistic policy of State control of industry, Mr. Hamilton continued. l'his policy had even been extended to a commandeer of farming lands. To-day it was impossible to pur-, chase Crown land or obtain a suitable leasehold. This was one of the fundamental differences of policy between the National Party, and the Labour Government.

Compulsory unionism would be tho iir&t thing to go if tho National Party was returned to power, said Mr. Hamilton. This was not to be confused with compulsory arbitration, which had its advantages, and would be retained. Answering a question at the conclusion of his address, Mr. Hamilton said that all public works of a sound nature at present in progress would be completed. The party would stand by the compensated price formula set out by the originator, Mr. J. H. Furniss, and supported by the Farmers' Union. Mr. Hamilton was accorded a hearty vote of thanks and confidence.* A small section of opponents at the rear of the theatre attempted to drown the acclamation with cries of "No" when the motion was put to the meeting.