HUSTINGS GLEANINGS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 52, 20 November 1946, Page 5

HUSTINGS GLEANINGS

ELECTION CAMPAIGN SHOTS

CANDIDATE CLIPPINGS

New Zealand had ahvays been under a Government liberal in spirit, and had led the world in social experiments. So-call-ed Tory Governments had brought in universal franchise, penny post, health legislation and pensions before the Labour Party got into power. Even the so-called Tories, with very ferv exceptions, were liberal in spirit and introduced social security plans. And when the old age pension was made £1 a week it was worth £1 a week and not ten bob.— (W. H. Fortune, National, Eden). “They called me ‘Bulldozer Bob’,” said the Minister of Works, Mr Semple, describing how he introduced bulldozers into public works in New Zealand and was criticised for it, in an address at New Plymouth. He defended his actions by recounting the part New Zealand bulldozers played in the Pacific, where they were vitally needed. “But I don’t care what they call me, as long as my conscience is clear,” he said. “When they cease calling me names, I’ll be lonely.” We are confident of a National Party victory. Personlly I have two sincere desires. One is for the success of the party to which I belong. The other is that after the election that great man, Sir Apirana Ngata, will again be in his place in Parliament. The man who defeated him last election, Mr Omana, is liked by everyone; he is a gentle and courteous member. But he is no substitute for a man of Ngata’s calibre.— (F. W. Doidge, National, Tauranga). Import selections would be maintained. As a result of import restrictions it had been possible to open 1200 factories in the Dominion within the last 10 years. Had there been no control over imports New Zealand’s secondary industries would not have been able to compete with overseas goods.—(A. Gunn, Labour, Franklin).

The great issue today, Socialism versus Freedom, would be the issue on which the election campaign would be decided. There could be no compromise. (T. It. Beatty, National, Oamaru).

Trader Horn told many tall tales, which were made into a book. We have a gentleman who could quite well be called ‘Horse Trader’ Holland. He has brought out a horse, and if asked about its pedigree asks: ‘Why bring that up?’ The National Party was the “old gang,” and one of its candidates who had declared that he belonged to the “new gang” was at least right in sticking to the word “gang.” —(A. McLagan, Labour, Riccarton).

Country people should be represented in proportion to population as against the number on the electoral role, as there was a much larger number of children and under-age people in the country than in the town.— (W. Sullivan, National, Bay of Plenty).

If anyone thought that shareholders would make an increased profit out of the State purchase of any mines, he was making a grave mistake.— (J. O’Brien, Labour, Westland).

“When people tell you that Mr Nash is a great financier, don’t believe a word of it. He is the greatest spend-thrift ever to be let loose in this country. Taxation per head of population in 1938 was £l6, today it is £SB. (A. S. Sutherland, National, Hauraki).

“The Labour Party and myself have been called Socialists by our opponents, and I am quite happy to accept that term and fight this election as a Socialist if my opponents agree to come out on their side and light it as capitalists.” Tills statement it as capitalists.—(Mr C .R. Parker, Labour, Egmont).

The National Party has no defined policy regarding education, but my personal opinion is that church and other private schools have a jugt claim to their demands for payment for their service.— (W. Sullivan, National, Bay of Plenty).