Co-Operation

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 July 1950, Page 6

Co-Operation

He said the many messages of good wishes he had received included one from a representative of the Port Chalmers watersiders who had telegraphed: “Best -wishes for a pleasant maiden Voyage." This message was signed "Bill, So and So—Opposition." That message, said Mr. Hayman, symbolised the co-operation the Government hoped to enjoy from all sections of the community—co-operation without which there would be little hope for continuing our way of life. Mr Hayman said he would like to place on record the fact that Mr Nordmej*er (his predecessor in office) "gave marvellous personal service" to the electorate he (Hayman) now represented, and that -he would follow his predecessor’s example. He said that the world was sick of wars ano this country was sick of strife, and often the spark of strife was lighted in the House. One of the failures of Socialism was that it was built on a foundation of class jealousy, common class distinction, sometimes class hatred and certainly on class distrust. While he admitted that there had been some real reason for that mistrust and jealousy, the time when there was a mass of under-privileged in the country had gone. “We must turn from mistrust if we are to save our system and our way of life," he said. We must move together to close the gaps in our society. We need in this country, and in this Government, ttie help and goodwill of all."

The future of democracy depended on the Government’s ability to make the best use of human relationships. A welfare State had been set up in the country and the Government would do all in its power to continue it. Mr. Hayman said a welfare State would have carried on with all its good things, but “to carry it on we will have to have a greater sense of responsibility on the part of the people who are units in our society.” A welfare State could not be carried on at the highest level without the same degree of production. The new Government would turn its attention to the question of incentive payments.