MR R. A. WRIGHT'S POSITION

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22517, 27 September 1938, Page 12

MR R. A. WRIGHT'S POSITION

REASON FOR REMAINING INDEPENDENT CONDITIONAL SUPPORT OF NATIONAL PARTY crmras association tilio»am.) WELLINGTON, September 26. • If he attached himself to any party, it would be to the National Party, said Mr R. A. Wright, Independent candidate for Wellington West, when answering a question at the close of his address in the Kelburn kiosk tonight. , , , , .. , Mr Wright was asked why he did not associate himself with one party or the other. He replied that being opposed to Socialism, he could not support the Labour Party. So long as \ the National Party did not legislate to the detriment of city people, it could rely on his vote. "The farmers' vote is being bid for on both sides," said Mr Wright, "and I am afraid the time will come when you people in the cities will be very heavily taxed to maintain the guaranteed prices and other benefits for the farmers. I work with the Nationalists as much as I possibly can; but I want to reserve my independence to safeguard the interests of my constituency when a difficult time comes. The National Party is very largely a country party. There are two members—perhaps three at the outside—who can be said to be town members. All the others represent farming interests. We have no town party, save the Socialists. I contend I am justified in maintaining my independence, because I am not doing any disservice to my constituency. The reverse is the case—l am helping my constituency."

SOCIAL SECURITY BILL

"MAGNIFICENT PIECE OF LEGISLATION"

OPINION OF MR H. E.

HERRING

"It is a marvellous and magnificent piece of legislation," said. Mr H. E.i Herring, M.P- -at Ashburton last evening, when speaking of the Social Security Bill. _ nn In his address to between 500 ana 600 persons at St. Andrew's Hall, Mr Herring added that the bill was complex ami people: did not understand it, but it was far-reaching and there was no one who would not be affected byit. About 2,000,000 working days were lost in New Zealand each year because of ill-health and that cost £7.000,000 a year. In addition, £7,000,000 was paid to doctors and another £2,000,000 to hospitals. The health of the country was getting worse, he said. Statistics showed that seven of every 10 children of school age had some ailment and that was a terrible position. Jt was desired that the scheme be universal and not sectional, said the apeaker. and the proposals were only the beginning of the scheme. "There is no shadow,of doubt that we want- this bill badly," said Mr Herring. He continued that figures prepared by a large insurance company showed that in 40 years, of every 100 men now 25 years of age, one would be wealthy, four would be well-to-do, five would be working, 36 would be dead and 54 would be dependent on charity.

Mr Herring also dealt with taxation, saying that the rise in private income had been from £100,000,000 tc £180,000,000 over the last four years. In that time, taxation had risen from £25,000,000 to £37,000,000, the ratio being much lower than the rise in income. Some persons were paying a little more than formerly while others weie paying less, but it was plain that the Labour Party had not increased taxation.

Mr J. A. Lee, Parliamentary UnderSecretary in Charge of Housing, also spoke, eulogising the work Mr Herring had done for his electorate. Messrs Herring and Lee were thanked for their addresses, on the motion of Mr C. Freeman. The Mayor (Dr. G. I. Miller) presided.

'"MISHANDLING

PROSPERITY"

MR FORBES CRITICISES LABOUR'S POLICY

"The National Party has been charged by the opposition with mishandling the depression, but now the Opposition can charge the Labour Party with mishandling prosperity," commented the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes in an address to about 400 electors in the Town Hall at Rangiora last night. The meeting was a lively one, the speaker being subjected to a certain amount of heckling, most of which was good-riatured. Mr Forbes spokfe for nearly three hours. The Mayor of Rangiora (Mr C. W. Tyler) presided.

The Government was creating an artificial boom, the speaker continued. One could understand, perhaps, the colossal expenditure if prices were falling, business was being reduced, or there was widespread unemployment. But the country had emerged from a depression to a state of prosperity. Taxation was high and there was considerable dissatisfaction amongst even the workers, as was shown by the number of strikes during the Government's term of office.

Mr Forbes answered several questions, and at the end of the meeting was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.

MR SAVAGE TO SPEAK IN CITY THIS EVENING

The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) will arrive in Christchurch this morning, and will speak in the King Edward Barracks in the evening. The meeting will begin at 8 p.m., and will be presided over by the Mayor (Mr R. M. Macfarlane).