“DEAD HAND OF STATE”

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24909, 24 June 1946, Page 4

“DEAD HAND OF STATE”

ADDRESS BY MR HOLLAND

COMMENT ON STANDARD OF LIVING (P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 22. “The interfering hand of the State is lowering the standard of living in New Zealand,” said the Leader of the Opposition (Mr S. G. Holland), addressing the conference of the National Party. “Whenever the dead hand of the State interferes we are experiencing shortages, high prices, and poorer quality.” “This interfering hand,” Mr Holland said, “is making it more difficult for people to live happily. The wage worker is concerned about the value of his money and people generally are looking for a way out. I believe it is recognised that the National Party is the answer."

He had been glad to note during the conference that there was absolutely no suggestion that the National Party organisation wished to impose its will on the Paraliamentary section of the party, said Mr Holland. There would never be any outside domination of the Government when the National Party took office. Decline in Production

Mr Holland referred to a serious decline in primary production, and said it was a product of Labour administration. It would be a great thing for New Zealand to get a government sympathetic towards the farming community. He said the problem of bringing high country and marginal lands into full production would be s approached by means of a commission which would fully investigate the position. The first duty was. to find the facts, particularly in connexion with native lands. He was confident that under the right leadership the Maoris would respond and play their part. Mr Holland said the National Party would wholeheartedly support the manufacturing industries of New Zealand, and the party was in full accord with Mr F. P. Walsh when the latter stated in a report that there must be no bolstering up of inefficient industries behind a wall of protection. It was essential for New Zealand to bring the costs of production down, otherwise the country would be unable to compete on overseas markets. This would not be done by cutting wages but by cutting taxation. At the conclusion of Mr Holland’s address a motion was carried unanimously placing on record the great appreciation of his work and leadership, and affirming continued loyalty and support of his leadership of the party. A resolution was also carried affirming and applauding the definite and repeated public statement of the leader of the party that it was the settled policy of the National Party that there would be no cuts in wages, pensions, social security benefits, dr children’s allowances when the National Party took office.