THE FINAL MESSAGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19445, 3 November 1925, Page 7

THE FINAL MESSAGE

PRIME MINISTER SUMS UP ISSUE CLEARLY DEFINED RESPONSIBILITY ON THE ELECTORS CLEAN-CUT DECISION NEEDED The Press Association’s agency at Auckland, where the Prime Minister was yesterday, has forwarded a copy of a message to the electors of the Dominion, issued by Mr. Coates last evening. The Prime Minister's message is as follows: — THE ELECTORS’ CHOICE. I appeal with confidence to the electors to realise the importance of the duty they are called upon to fulfil on Wednesday. If they realise the true position. ! feel sure they will do the right thing by the country. The election is important because the choice lies between a sound and stable Government, imbued with true British ideals, and a Socialistic or sectional Government. The electors desirous of the former must vote for the candidates representing the party which I have the honour to lead. Those who want a Socialistic Government must vote for the Labour nominees. B-Jt docs anv New Zealander desire to sec New Zealand governed in the interests of one section of the community, to the exclusion or neglect of all the other sections? I trust not. A STRAIGHTFORWARD POLICY. A few months ago, following on the death of my distinguished predecessor. the late Mr. Massey. I was chosen as Leader of the Government Party. I am asking the people to endorse on Wednesday that selection. I have put inv manifesto before the people in definite terms, so that all should know my policy. That policy contains no fantastic proposals or fanciful promises. I would not issue a manifesto which, embraced promises which in my judgment could not be redeemed in the three years period which is tho maximum life of a Parliament. THE BEST FOR THE BEST. This is a glorious country, with a wonderful future. The best country in the world deserves tho best Government its people can give it. An examination of the manifesto will reveal that I have outlined schemes for the development of the country’s resources, for the distinct improvement of existing services, and for the running of New Zealand on business lines. Essential points from my policy are:— Sound and prudent finance. Thorough examination into the incidence of taxation. Closer settlement of occupied and unoccupied lands by purchase and subdivision. Extension of scientific agricultural education. Investigation into farmers’ land banks. The well-being of the State and the Empire. Support of the League of Nations. Encouragement of secondary industries and suppression of trusts. Selective immigration, the organisation to be strengthened. More houses and fewer slums. Increased compensation benefits.

Investigation of universal pension schemes and aid to parents with large families. Modernised methods of education. Extension of public health policy. Establishment of a Local Government Board. National safety and progressive development. GOVERNMENT MUST BE STRONG. The closeness of parties in the House after the election of 1922 made the task of the Government in carrying on extremely difficult, and certainly affected our legislation. The best cannot be expected from a Government, no matter how good it is in itself, unless it is given sufficient numerical strength to carry through the whole of its proposals.. The electors will realise, therefore. that it is essential that the Government should have an adequate working majority if it is to do for New Zealand all that it considers ought to be done. A WORD OF WARNING. Remember that a vote for a candidate who says he thinks I should be Prime Minister, but who at the same time is opposing a Government candidate, might be a vote wasted. There is no room in I’arlinnu'nt for men ■without decisive views. The country is entitled to know where every candidate stands. Every candidate who has nothing to conceal ought to declare himself. To my comrades the "Diggers” I say: "We are going over the top on Wednesday, and once again the fight is for New Zealand.” VOTE FOR PLEDGED CANDIDATES. There is but one thing the people can do if they desire that I should lead a Government and have an opportunity of putting my policy into operation. That one thing is to vote for the candidates who will vote with, me through thick and thin and who have pledged themselves to do so.