MOMENTOUS PERIOD

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20388, 31 December 1937, Page 6

MOMENTOUS PERIOD

CONFIDENCE IN FUTURE HON. A. HAMILTON’S MESSAGE PRESERVATION OF LIBERTY (By Telegraph.—Press Association) INVERCARGILL, Thursday “As the leader of a party which represents a large body of political opinion in New Zealand, it is my privilege to extend New Year greetings to the people of the Dominion,’’ said the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. A. Hamilton, in a New Year message issued to-day. “The period immediately ahead of us is likely to prove one of the most momentous in the history of New Zealand,” added Mr Hamilton, “and it is our duty to face the future with determination and vigour. “We are embarking upon what may prove to be a momentous year for New Zealand—a year when a new Government must be chosen at the general election. It is probable that at no time in the history of the Dominion have people been so politically-minded or so keenly alive to their public responsibilities as they are to-day. “Men and women in every section of the community are taking an active part in public affairs, and I look forward io 1938 hopefully and confidently, believing that this interest will find intelligent expression in the choice of wise counsels to govern the Dominion when the correct time comes. An Eye on the Past “The New Year message is issued in no narrow spirit of partisanship,” continued Mr Hamilton. “I have no hesitation in extending the good wishes of my colleagues and myself to the Prime Minister and members of his Government. We are opponents politically, but neither at the New Year nor at any other time is it necessary to fight a political battle with personalities. “It is necessary that people, In looking to the future, should also have an eye on the past. It is impossible to over-estimate the value of the historical sense. Society must progress, and any political party that stands in the way of progress is doomed to failure, but In this march of progress we should see to it that we carry with us those ideals and institutions which have stood the test of time, whioh have become inherent In our British character, and which are well worth preserving for the future. A Mistaken Belief “To-day some of those ideals and institutions are toeing jettisoned because of the mistaken belief that they stand in the way of progress. This tendency must be checked, and for our own national well-being the virtues of initiative, endeavour, thrift and prudence must be guarded at all costs. “As Leader of His Majesty’s Opposition in Parliament I can say that we view the future with every confidence. Some of our political opponents are endeavouring to create an impression that we are working against the liberty of the people. Nothing could be further from the truth. We have pledged ourselves to guard the indvidual's liberties—the liberties of the workers just as much as those of any other section of society—and at the dawn of the New Year we renew that pledge.”