DEMOCRAT PARTY

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19674, 6 September 1935, Page 8

DEMOCRAT PARTY

WAVE OF ENTHUSIASM.

THE LEADER IN HAMILTON. WIDESPREAD SUPPORT PROMISED. Interviewed by a Waikato Times reporter in Hamilton this afternoon, the Leader of the Democrat Party, Mr T. C. A. Hislop, of Wellington, expressed the opinion that the Government was definitely doomed and thousands of people throughout the country were seeking an alternative other than Labour. This opinion was not a hazard but was founded on reliable evidence and information that he had gathered from a wide variety of sources in all parts of the country. Mr Hislop said he had just arrived from Auckland and had been highly gratified at the extent of the support which had been promised the party from representatives of every section ■of the community. The party was getting support which was far more sweeping than that accorded the United Party in 1928. At that time there was a distinct animus against the policy of the Government hut today the feeling was far more intense. He "was now assured from indications he had on every hand that the fight would be between the Democrat Party ■and the Labour Party. At present .some eight members of the Government were not seeking re-election so that they would go to 'the country a weakened party. He felt confident that as a factor in the coming campaign the Government party would be completely discarded. ■Mr Hislop slated -that the full policy of the Democrat Party would he announced within a 'few weeks and as •soon as his present tour of the Dominion was completed. -He intended travelling hy road, rail, air and steamer to all parts of both Islands. The fact that candidates had come forward for every .seat showed that the party was strong as also did the many offers of support from various sources.

Evils of Exchange. It had been clearly shown that the high exchange , rate was operating to ■the detriment of the country and his party proposed that it should he abolished; the exact method of such would depend on investigations which would be made into the economic structure of the country so that there would be as little trade dislocation as possible. The exchange was of little benefit .to tile 'farmers, owing to the higher charges it imposed qn imports and higher taxation and higher cost of living. Actually the farmer received less than 'half of the exchange benefits alleged in a recent statement hy Sir Alfred .Ransom.

Under the Democrat Party’s policy it was planned to assist the farmers substantially and to the fullest necessary degree without resource to currency manipulation and without increased taxation. This would be done with the application of common-sense methods and without the use of any fantastic scheme. Another plank provided for the absorption within a short space of time of the unemployed in normal productive .occupations at normal wages. The channels of private enterprise would he utilised to the fullest extent. There’ were many other measures proposed for the general rehabilitation of tbe 'country. Mr Hislop and (members of his party will leave for Wellington this evening.

At a private gathering in the Hamilton 'Hotel this afternoon Air Hislop was introduced to party friends and supporters and gave a brief address. Other speakers were Mr J. B. Donald, chairman of 'the Auckland executive, Mr 11. D. Caro, the Hamilton candidate, and Mr V. S. Harris, Hamilton organiser.