THE COMING YEAR

Waipawa Mail, Volume LXVI, Issue 44, 31 December 1937, Page 3

THE COMING YEAR

POLITICAL PHILOSOPHIES GREETINGS FROM LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION. INVERCARGILL, Last night. “As leader of a party which represents a large body of political opinion in New Zealand it is my privilege to extend New Year greetings to the people of the Dominion,” said the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Adam Hamilton, in a New Year message issued to-day. “The period immediately ahead of us is likely to prove one of the most momentous in the history of New Zealand,” Mr Hamilton added, “and it is our duty to face the future with determination and vigor. The year 11)37 has been one of great development and great change throughout the world. Forms of government have been altered and new political philosophies have changed the living conditions of peoples in several countries.

“In looking forward to the year that is just beginning I feel that the people of New Zealand will he ready to meet and adjust themselves to the new forces which are making themselves felt all over the world, but l feel that our facility to do this will depend upon the measure of interest which the people as a whole display in the affairs of the Dominion and the part they take in public life. MOMENTOUS YEAR. “We are embarking upon what may prove to be a momentous year lor New Zealand, a year when a new (lovernment must be chosen at a general election. Tt is probable that at no time in the history of the Dominion have people been so politically minded or so keenly alive to their public responsibilities as they are to-day. Men and women in every section of the community are taking an active part in public affairs and I look forward to 1038 hopefully and confidently, believing that this interest will find intelligent expression in the choice of wise counsels j-, govern the Dominion when the [•Mfreet time comes. Leader of his Majesty’s Opiti<m in Parliament I can sav that view the future with every conPmence. Some of our political opponents are endeavoring to create the impression that we are working against the liberty of the people. Nothing could be further from the truth. We have pledged ourselves to guard the individual’s liberties —the liberties of the workers just as much a- those of any other section of society—and at the dawn of the New Year we renew that pledge “To members and supporters of the National Party throughout New Zealand,” Mr Hamilton concluded, “I wish to express my <L•• •]» gratitude for their loyalty and a— -tslice during the past 22 months and to wish them all prosperity and lappiness during the coming year, vfth the ultimate triumph of the prirciples in which we believe.”