NATIONAL PARTY PRESIDENT COMMENTS ON ELECTIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, 21 November 1950, Page 4

NATIONAL PARTY PRESIDENT COMMENTS ON ELECTIONS

WELLINGTON, Last Night (PA)— "Although the political Labour Party treats local body elections as part of an overall war on private enterprise, the National Party has never taken part in these elections and would probably encounter serious trouble if it did,” said Mr W. J. Sim, K.C., president of the New Zealand National Party, commenting today on the political implications of the elections. “Had the National Party done so," Mr Sim added, “the ineffective organisation and splitting of anti-Labour support, which appears to have been the main cause of the loss of seats, would not have taken place, nor the pitiably small polls. “The elections may possibly reflect to a degree dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living which has been capitalised on and the causes misrepresented, but inflationary trends are world-wide and not due solely to New Zealand conditions.

“The point which one would expect the public to appreciate is the Government's sincere and frank attempt to grapple with the difficult situation which it has been given to handle," said Mr Sim.

Swimming Baths Permits. The architect (Mr. L. S. Barsanti), told the Wanganui Education Board yesterday that the building controller had agreed to issue permits for the erection of swimming baths at the Milson, Marton Junction, Raetihi, Turakina, Lytton treet and Whangaehu Schools. The chairman, Mr W. B. Tennent, M.P., said that grants had been made for the baths at Raetihi and Turakina Schools, and that the board would now apply for grants for the other schools.