THE DEMOCRATS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 200, 27 August 1935, Page 7

THE DEMOCRATS

Mr. Hislop Selected as Leader OUTLINE OF POLICY STATEMENT ISSUED £ Per Pr«M A/iaoclatioa. ] WELLINGTON, Aug. The selection of Air. Hislop, MayoP of Wellington, as Leader of the Democrat Party, was officially announced today. The official report of the conference of candidates held last week says, inter alia, that the most striking feature was the manner in which the candidates from every part of New Zeaiand found common ground on policy matters. In accepting the leadership, Air. Hislop said that unity of purpose, enthusiasm for the task, and faith in the basic principles of true democracy that had marked the deliberations had filled him with a sense of complete confidence in the result. Lot them work so that the Parliament of this country might be restored to its rightful place in tho minds of the people, a place where it would have their respect and confidence. Lot them work so that no man, woman, or child in this country should eat daily bread embittered with a sense of charity; that each might go to his daily task with a sense of pride and security; that happiness, contentment, and confidence might be restored in this glorious country. He dedicated himsel/ to this cause.

The conference decided on two deputy leaders, one for each island. Air. W. A. Veitch (Wanganui) was appointed for the North Island. The southern selection was postponed. The conference was in every way a complete success and the party was definitely launched. The executive draws attention to the following facts: (1) That the leader ef the party was chosen on the second day of the conference after the luncheoa adjournment; (2) that the confereflo* was marked by absolute loyalty and enthusiasm on the part of all candidates; (3) that the report of the conference was held up pending finalisation of the work of several sub-committees which carried on over Friday. The question of the publication of the names of candidates was left in the hands of the divisional executives. Mr. Hislop’s Statement. Air. Hislop to-day made his flrst public statement as Leader of tho Democrat Party, outlining the main points of policy and intimating that he would enlarge on various points from, the public platform. He said that tho country realised that the two parties which comprised the National Party had both forgotten the principles for which they stood. They had followed a policy the logical conclusion of which was the subjugation of the people to socialistic and bureaucratic control. With experiment following on experiment, with cynical disregard of the people’s rights based on tho cry of expediency, and with the unprecedented burden of taxation crushing industry in order that the experiments might be supported, the confidence of people had been destroyed. The Democrat policy, full details of which he would announce shortly when ho took the platform, had been arrived at with due regard to tho economic, conditions of tho country. had avoided both parsimony and extravagance.. The major points of the policy referred to by Air. Hislop are:— Allowing the exchange to reach its true economic relation with sterling. Assisting of farming with less injury to the relations with the Afother Country. It was proposed to break down the barrier between town and country and create a spirit of unity. It was proposed also to create machinery to afford temporary mortgage relief without involving the confiscation of capital or equities. The sales and gold duty tax to be removed. They had a definite scheme to return all fit men to their normal occupations at. normal wages. A definite scheme to recognise and meet, the long-deferred and just claims of returned soldiers. A comprehensive hospital, health • insurance and pensions scheme. Investigation for the purpose of the reform of local body government. Tho protection and encouragement.’ of the manufacturing industries' upon the principle of a balanced national economy. Provision for increased facilities for the education of children along more practical and useful lines. Mr. Hislop said that the party was new in name, but the principles were not uew. They believed fundamentally in the greatest possible freedom of the individual and the fewest possible shackles upon legitimate activitiy. They believed the general good was the supreme aim and believed in an equal, not partial, sharing of the burden of troubled times and the fruits of ultimate prosperity.