COUNTRY TOUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 October 1938, Page 9

COUNTRY TOUR

MR J. F. THOMPSON CORDIALLY RECEIVED CAMPAIGN FOR WAIRARAPA SEAT (“Times-Age” Special) The National candidate for the Wairarapa, Mr J. F. Thompson, concluded a most successful tour of back-country districts on Thursday. He delivered a large number of speeches, and had record attendances at all his meetings. At the Ngahape settlement on Thursday afternoon he was well received. Mr P. H. Paku, who occupied the chair, 'referred to the good service Mr Thompson was' rendering the Natives as a member of the District Maori Board. The candidate received a vote of thanks, on the motion of Mr H. J. Nitz. In the evening, there were between 60 and 70 present at a meeting addressed at the Brancepeth station, when Mr O. Sykes occupied the chair. Mr Thompson received a most attentive hearing and was accorded a vote of. thanks. It was Mr Thompson’s first visit to the various outback districts, and he was more than pleased with the cordial receptions accorded him. MARTINBOROUGH MEETING. 'progressive development OF RESOURCES. (“Times-Age” Special.) Mr Thompson spoke to a crowded audience in the Martinborough Town Hall last night, when he was well received. As at his other meetings, there was a total absence of interjection. Mrs G. Hardy, on behalf of the ladies’ committee of the National Party, presented Mrs Thompson with a posy. Mr C. Skill (Mayor) occupied the chair. Mr Thompson, who was frequently applauded, spoke along the lines of previous addresses. He stated that the National Party intended to reduce taxation by the progressive development of the country’s resources and gradually shifting relief and subsidised workers to profitable and permanent employment. In this manner they would do away with the £5,000,000 collected by way of taxation for employment. By more efficient development of land they could eliminate another £500,000, and so on. In answer to a question as to where the money was to come from to meet the £lOO bonus for newly-married couples, he stated that an economic investment of this kind would reproduce a valuable national asset and keep envious foreign eyes off the country. Mr Thompson, in answer to a question, said he was definitely in favour of the retention of the country quota.' If taken away the rural districts would be more than ever dominated by the Trades Hall. A questioner asked if they were to have any more soup kitchens if the National Party got into power. Mr Thompson stated the Labour Party should take its fair share of the blame for the unfortunate conditions, that obtained during a slump, that ■ was world-wide. It took credit for the prosperity brought about by improved overseas prices, but threw the entire blame for the slump upon its predecessors in office. After further questions had been answered, the candidate was seconded a hearty vote of thanks on the motion of Mr Roy Burch. Cheers for the candidate and the singing of the •National Anthem concluded a successful meeting.