MR. HOGAN’S CAMPAIGN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 266, 13 November 1935, Page 15

MR. HOGAN’S CAMPAIGN

I SUCCESSFUL MEETING AT AKAMOHO. SAFEGUARDING STATE FUNDS Last night Mr. J. T. Hogan, ttie Liberal candidate for the Wanganui seat, addressed a well attended meeting at the jDuchess Theatre, Aramoho. Mr. Walker presided, and briefly introduced Mr. Hogan as a gentleman who had represented both Wanganui and Rangitikei in the House of Representatives. On rising to speak, Mr. Hogan was applauded and after a few opening remarks about the solid support he had always received at Aramoho, he pr«I ceeded to emphasise the necessity for safeguarding and stabilising the State superannuation funds. These funds were in danger and Sir Joseph had publically stated that those on superannuation were being paid out of current contributions while the State was not contributing its share, .in addition, huge amounts were being paid to some fortunate individuals, to the danger of a breakdown of the scheme altogether. He quoted a Parliamentary return showing that seven absentee superannuitants living overseas had drawn out about £30,000 while they had paid in only £(i(/)0. Ho stood for security and protection of these funds and if returned would do his utmost to have this state of things remedied. He actually reported that the funds pvere down £22,000,000 and that it would take £2,000,000 a year to gradually build them up to security and safety and he was a firm believer in the creation of a capital fund for this purpose. The fund should not depend upon the whims of an impecunious finance minister. Of course, he was a believer in universal superannuation, but all the schemes should be sound. Dealing with the main question, Mr. Hogan advocated the cutting up of land around Wanganui into areas of five lo 50 acres and settlement on the leasehold principle. This land should belong to the Crown so that there would always be available a number of small farms to be used as stepping st uses to larger areas further out. When a lessee desired to vacate a farm thelesce who followed should have exactly the same opportunity as the outgoing tenant had had. Mr. Hogan was accorded a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated a successful meeting.