MINISTER OF EDUCATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23631, 15 October 1938, Page 10

MINISTER OF EDUCATION

GUARANTEED PRICE DEFENDED ADEQUATE INCOME FOR FARMERS COUNTRY QUOTA NOT CONSIDERED (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, Oct. 14. The final broadcast address of the present general election series, with the exception of short messages from the two party leaders to-night, was delivered by the Minister of Education (Mr P. Fraser), who attacked the propaganda methods of the National Party. He contended that the Labour Government had done for the farmers what the Nationalists had refused to do when the depression came and stated that if there were no guaranteed price at the present time the farmers would be receiving only a maximum advance of lid a pound butterfat on the present state of the market. The dairy farmer and his family had been placed on an assured and adequate income. The Minister reiterated his previous statement that Labour had not even considered the question of the country quota, stating, however, that actually the growth of the urban areas had practically destroyed the efficacy of the country quota, and it counted for very little to-day. If, however. Labour wanted to interfere with any section of electoral legislation it would go to the people and tell them frankly what it intended to do. The Minister had a very enthusiastic I reception, and was accorded musical honours, a vote of thanks to the Minister and confidence in the Government being carried unanimously. THE TEMUKA SEAT ADDRESS BY MR T. D. BURNETT VIEWS ON DEFENCE POLICY (Special to Daily Times) TEMUKA, Oct. 14. i Mr T. D. Burnett, National candidate for Temuka, addressed a large meeting of electors in the Elite Theatre last evening. The Mayor (Mr A\W. Buzan) was in the chair. In the course of his address, which occupied two hours, Mr Burnett said it, was of great importance that an adequate defence policy should be pursued. A deeper and more sincere interest in defence should be taken by the people. The interior areas of the Dominion should be surveyed The Mackenzie country could hold some valuable munition dumps, and the three lakes could be made Into seaplane bases, and also a base could be made on the Waitaki dam. All the military forces should be brought up to the required strength. Mr Burnett paid a tribute to Mi J. Bitchener, a former Minister of Public Works, whose record of service in the Coalition Government was apt to be overlooked and who put into operation the Levels scheme and, with the co-operation of the candidate, set up an engineer’s office and staff In Temuka. Mr Burnett explained the working of the country quota, which was a safeguard of Canterbury districts from being overwhelmed by the town vote. The quota was 100 country or rural, voters as equivalent of 128 town oi city electors. This quota should be kept in its entirety, but he feared that the present Government, if returned. would either annul or rescind it. All the efforts of his party. Mr Burnett said, to exempt from taxation young people with no vote, those under State or private superannuation schemes, friendly society member* who received their own health benefits, domestic workers, and many others, amendments for which were moved by the Opposition in the House, were heavily defeated by the vote of Labour members. In conclusion, Mr Burnett outlined the services the National Party would introduce for the welfare of the people. He was accorded a vote of thanks The meeting was very orderly, the interjections being mainly of a humorous nature. The meeting concluded with cheen for the candidate and counter cheers for Mr Savage, DUNEDIN SOUTH MR ADERMAN AT MOSGIEI The accommodation of the Coronation Hall, Mosgiel, was fully taxed last night when Mr E. P. Adermsn the National candidate for Dunedin- South pave the final address of his campaign The Mayor (Mr W P Hartstonge) pre sided There was a good deal Of interjection of a good-natured kind, except at one stage, when an appeal by the chairman and a warning from the Xolice had the desired effect. Mr derman was accorded a vote of thanks. MR F. JONES AT CAVERSHAM Mr P. Jones. Labour candidate fot Dunedin South, addressed about 6C electors in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Cav* ersham, last evening Mr W. Inglh occupied the chair. The candidate who was given an attentive hearing answered several questions at the conclusion of his address, and was ac corded a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence.