POLITICAL

Western Star, 14 October 1938, Page 2

POLITICAL

ADDRESS BY MR JAMES^

HARGEST.

Mr James Hargest delivered his final address in the Empire Theatre ' on Thursday evening, there being an. a{j tendance of 250. His Worship the Mayor presided. The Walmatuku Pipe Band was also Jin attendance, and! played the candidate to the hall. Before proceeding with his address bouquets were presented to Mesdames- Hargest and Trotter, the candidate .and His Worship the Mayor also receiving floral offerings. - "' ''■/'■ Mr Hargest stated that the contest in Southland had been cleanly fought, and tlie issue t 0 be decided was Socialism as practised by the Labour Government v. sane government as outlined by the National Party. He deprecated the class distinction that had- been introduced into politics, which was the work of Communists and Trades Unions, and quoted the book recently issued by the ! Hon. Lee, which advocated State ownership of all the land, factories and produce of the country. Mr Hargest also criticised the proposed Social Security Bill, which meant an additional taxation of Is jn the pound from, boys ami girls of 16 years and upwards. The National Party will, if elected, abolish this Bill, and will make provision for the same payment of widows, orphans and other pensions as already existed. He criticised > the action of Mr Scrim, geour in putting political propaganda over the air, and pointed out the loss which had occurred in this' and other Government departments, particularly the railways. So far as tine housing conditions carried out by the . Government are concerned these are, costing over £IOOO per house, and tenants were compelled to pay up to/30s a week. At., the conclusion of his address a vote ot thanks and confidence was carried unanimously on the motion of Dr Uor- j dun seconded by Mr Dalton. !