ELECTION ECHOES

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 November 1946, Page 6

ELECTION ECHOES

“Official Labour." "I claim to be the official Labour candidate for Hutt al this election in so far as I've always believed in implementing Labour’s policy. If Walter Nash had done that he would have taken over the Bank of New Zealand without having to be booted into it." Mr. G. Laing, Independent Labour candidate for Hutt.

The Specialist. The present system under which medical attention from a specialist costs more than from a general practitioner, whereas the social security payment is the same, was criticised at Northland by Mr. C. M. Bowden (National). Mr. Bowden thought that the difficulty could be overcome by increasing the allowance for the services of a specialist, though it might be necessary to stipulate that the patient shall be referred to the specialist by an ordinary doctor.

Labour and Private Enterprise. Far from having hindered private enterprise, Labour had given great support to manufacturing industries, said Mr. C. H. Chapman (Labour), speaking in Wellington. In 1935 some 75,000 persons were engaged in these industries. The number was increased to 122,900 in 1944. The value of production had increased in ten years by £96,362,000. Full employment had been secured; indeed, there were at present over 22,000 vacancies awaiting men and women. Labour’s policy, he said, was truly humanitarian—the greatest good for the greatest number. Inner Tubes. “What a travesty that we should be importing cement from bomb-shatter-ed Britain while our own cement works are lying idle,” said Mr. C. M. Bowden, National candidate tor Karori, at Northland. “And what a travesty,” he added, amidst laughter, “that so much of it should be going to Fordell to build tunnels inside existing tunnels.” Better Left Alone. The fact that New Zealand has not yet ratified the Statute of Westminster was briefly referred to at Northland by Mr. C. M. Bowden, National candidate for Karori. “I don’t think we should do anything about it,’’ he said, “it might weaken our ties with Britain. I think it is far better to leave it alone.”

Suicide Squad. When asked whether he was in favour of abolishing the Upper House, Mr. G. Laing, Independent Labour candidate for Hutt, at his opening meeting, said that it had been tried before. He added. "You can’t do it unless you form a suicide squad. The members of the House would have to vote themselves into oblivion, and they’re not likely to do that.” z Wise Precaution.

Although Labour speakers had mocked the proposal as a preparation for a slump, said Mr. L. T. Jacobsen, National Parly candidate for Miramar, at Lyall Bay, it was a wise precaution to safeguard against depression conditions. A world-wide depression might occur, and no New Zealand Government could prevent that. The Nationalists intended to build up reserves in London to pay for goods which would still be required, in industry to keep workers paid, and in Government funds so that local authorities could be issued with free loans, if necessary u? • employment purposes. There sb .. M be no occasion for fear in any f’.lure slump, and yet this sound policy was criticised by Labour. Basis of Social Legislation. During the slump, stated Mr. L. T. Jacobsen, National Party candidate for Miramar, at LyalJßay, the Labour Parly had refused to join in a Government to deal with the situation, and it had made sport and capital of the tragedy. The Labour Party came in on the crest of the wave, and he acknowledged that it had done good things. However, its social security programme was built upon foundations which were laid by previous Governments. There were people who had been so hoodwinked by the Socialist Government that they even believed that old age pensions were introduced by tho Labour Government. “Let us look at the history of New Zealand to gel the facts,” said Mr. Jacobsen,who added that the Na. tibualists would improve the social security system. State Tenancy “Inheritance.” "The tenant occupier of a State house is able to decree by will the right to pass the tenancy on to his son when he dies. Surely the Government would not think of passing a law of disinheritance if it allows that,” said Mr. H. E Combs, Labour candidate for Onslow, Tawa Flat. Denying the “lie about disinheritance,” Mr. Combs added, "The Labour Government has nothing like such a foolish and wicked thing in mind.” Staffing of Hospitals. Who was responsible for the difficult staffing position in hospitals at present Mr. E. P. Meachen, Labour candidate for Marlborough, was asked in the course of an address. In reply, he said it was difficult to say if there was any more responsibility for the shortage at hospitals than in any other industry or factory. It appeared, however, that the matter of pay was largely responsible, and in this connection the Government was making an investigation with a view to increasing the remuneration of the nursing profession. Upper House Favoured. Speaking of the National Party’s intention to abolish the Legislative Council if returned to power, Mr. R. M. Algie, National member for Remuera, said at Green Island that although the Council had been described as a "haunt for deadbeats" and "the last resting place of political patriarchs," he was himself in favour of its retention. "In my years of lecturing at a university I always taught that a two-Chamber Government was advisable,” said Mr. Algie, "and I am convinced that if the right people are appointed, the Legislative Council can b e a useful institution."