LABOUR’S PART

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23517, 3 June 1938, Page 10

LABOUR’S PART

PROMISE AND FULFILMENT MR FRASER’S SURVEY (Peh United Press Association) TAURANGA, June 2. The Minister of Education (Mr P. Fraser) addressed a public meeting in the Town Hall last night. An audience of about 500 gave him a cordial reception. He dealt at length with Labour’s promises, and what had been accomplished. It had been impossible in the time available to do all that had been desired, but, given the opportunity, the Government would implement the whole of its policy. It had been asserted that Labour had a minority vote of electors. While this was true, it was also true of Governments since 1912, yet all had carried on. When the people understood the issue next election—either forwards or backwards —they would not hesitate to give Labour a substantial majority. The Minister said he would not attack the press, as it invariably did what he expected—attacked Labour. He did not blame the editors and leader writers, who were paid to do as they were directed. An examination of the share lists of the larger papers would reveal that the shareholders were interested in other concerns affected by Labour’s policy. The violence of the leading articles and the use of headlines from now till the election would surprise even the most hardened. , „ „ x , Dealing with Mr Adam Hamilton’s assertion that the National Party would abolish compulsory unionism, the Minister said this would mean to the workers the loss of the present improved conditions, with sweating, particularly of women and children, again rampant. It had to be remembered, said the Minister, that Labour could not wave its arms and bring money down from the clouds. It could only come from the country’s production. Labour had no desire to interfere with legitimate private enterprise. Every industry assisted under the Industrial Efficiency Act had been assisted at the request of the industry itself. The Minister detailed the social legislation enacted. He did not blame the past Government for the depression, but for intensifying it. Labour had given a fair distribution of the wealth of the country, instead of allowing it to remain in comparatively few hands.

Referring particularly to education, the Minister said he had granted £IBO,OOO for new buildings, but the demand for improvements was still Replying to a question, he said the new salary scale for teachers required much consideration, and would involve an enormous sum. The Government had to consider whether the money was available, and whether the major scale could be adopted this year, or whether something less could be done in the meantime. If he was still Minister. the scale would ultimately be adopted. A' vote of thanks and confidence in the Government was carried without dissent.