BROKEN PROMISES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23202, 28 May 1937, Page 10

BROKEN PROMISES

LABOUR'S LEGISLATION MR HAMILTON'S INDICTMENT (Per United Press Association) LEVIN, May 27. " I am convinced that the last election was not a vote for Labour, but we put them in ourselves. They're too well disciplined to split votes," stated the Leader of the Opposition (Mr A. Hamilton) in an address here to a house packed with members and supporters of the National Party. The keynote was the need for a newly organised New Zealand National Party to prepare thoroughly its forces so as to present a united front against Socialism at the next election, Mr Hamilton said. Wonderful interest was being taken in politics throughout the Dominion, especially in consideration of the fact that the present parliamentary term was not yet half-way through. The people had not endorsed the Labour programme as seen in action to-day, and their task was to build up forces and draw old Liberals, Reformers, Democrats, Independents, and members of the Country Party into one fighting force. Outlining the new constitution of the party, he said the policy would be subject to the approval of the members of the party, and would not be dictated by the leaders. Labour represented one class, and to get good government the National Party wanted the support of the farmers, business men, and workers, too, as well as that of young people and the womenfolk of the country. Referring to promises not kept, there were three classes who had been badly let down. The first were those who advocated social credit. Labour had taken up their cause and gained their support, but now the huge sums being spent on public works were being secured by borrowing. Money was being spent faster than ever before in the Dominion. The B class broadcasting stations had courted Labour on the assumption that the Government would allow them to receive some commercial revenue. Now Labour was pursuing exactly the opposite course.

Last year's Budget surplus of £3,000,000 presented a golden opportunity of removing the sales tax in accordance with the promise made the electors, but instead they added another £2,000,00.0 of taxation. As the result of Labour legislation a large sheep run and four timber mills had closed down in the South Island owing to the higher cost of operation.