NATIONAL PARTY’S OBJECTIVE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 21065, 17 June 1938, Page 8

NATIONAL PARTY’S OBJECTIVE

Security and Freedom Mr Hamilton Speaks at New Plymouth By Telegraph—Press Association NEW PLYMOUTH. June 16. The Hon. Adam Hamilton. Leader of the National Party, addressed a large meeting at New Plymouth tonight. Tire Opera House was fuff, about 1300 persons being present, while many hundreds were unable to gain admission to the hall, some remaining outside to listen to a loud speaker service. Mr Hamilton was given a very good hearing, and at the conclusion a vote of thanks to him and confidence in and support for the Part was carried by acclamation with apparently only a small proportion of dissentients. Mr Hamilton referred to the reported statement by the Hon. H. T. Armstrong that the Labour Government had not increased taxation, but that the yield was greater because of the higher national income. Mr Hamilton quoted the Budget speech of Mr Nash when he said that to meet pensions increases he would raise an additional million by income tax and the remainder by land tax. Mr Armstrong s statement therefore was incorrect and the Government had increased taxation Referring to controversy over the alleged closing of savings bank accounts while he was Postmaster-General, he . .ad Mr Savage had accepted his correction. but Mr Jones had subsequently taken the matter up. While travelling in the country he had not access to all ilie papers, but. when he had an opportunity he would reply to Mr Jones on his matter. Mr Hamilton's address followed the lii.es of those given in other centres, and he concluded by emphasising two words, security and freedom, as what the National Party stood for. He delated that the Government policy was bringing Socialism, the avowed object cf Labour, nearer, and expressed his Party’s strong opposition to that policy and objective. He was gratified at the I large attendance because it showed that people were taking their responsibilities seriously. While people were interested Democratic Government was 1 safe. ; At a later stage Mr Hamilton said the Dominion was heading towards a totalitarian State, not one on the lines of Hitler or Mussolini, but on the lines ; of that of Stalin.