THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN NEW ZEALAND

Chronicle (Levin), 13 April 1946, Page 2

THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN NEW ZEALAND

MR. ALGIE SPEAKS AT OTAKI SPEAKER WELL RECEIVED The Railway Hall at Otaki was weii filied on Thursday evening, when Mr. R. M. Aigie, member ior Remuera, gave an address upon the poii'ticai situation in NeW Zealand. Tnroughout the meeting the audience was most attentive. The Mayar (Mr. C. F. Atmore), who was chairman, said that it gave him much pleasure to preside, and to introduce to the large audience the speaxer for the evening. As member, for Remuera, one of the Auckland city eiectorates, Mr. Algie was an outsranding figure in. tne New Zealand Parliament, and the reason was not difficult to find, for he possessed all the necessary qualifications. Firstly, he was a iawyer, and it was clear that lawyers, with their knowledge of the law and their legal training, were particularly well equipped ro take a leading part in law-making and directing the affairs of a country. Then, secondly, he had been a Professor oi Law at Auckland University, so that he had a wider legal background tnan most lawyers posses'seu. He was logical, eloquent and persuasive, and possessed a keen sense of humour. For these reasons everyone present could look forward to a most interesting and insrrucwve address. Mr. Algie thanked the Mayor for his introduction' and kind remarxs. He said that at the present time New Zealand had a state of poverty amidst plenty. In the last few days he had visited many towns in boon the North and South Islands, and had found -many things that required attention. He wished to pay a compiiment to the distncvs member, Mr. L. G. Lowry, who was a level-headed man, and who never indulged in abuse. The present Government was not continuing its policy of making -promises. Sucn things were over Hfor the present time, as people who used to believe them could how see througn them. The doetrine that the country could spend its w'ay to prosperity was over. The present Government had done some. splendid things for which it deserved credit, but the cost of members taking trips, which they had condemned when they were in the Opposition, had never been as high as at the, present. time. * The 'Government ofteri" changed its opinion, he said. The cry of its members should be, "Oh Lord, give us this day our daily opinion, and forgive us for the one we had yesterday." There was too much control now. Would the Government listen to the opinions of the people'

and give them particulars of what was being done? In important matLers tne Engfish Parliament, had •put its proposais into a printed pampniec so tnat aii who wisneu mignc read. Then matters had been discussed in Parliament , for two days, but in the Dominion the members were given so little inlormation upon many important matters, that often he could not vote for lack of sufficient information upon which to form an opinion. So much control made it very difficult for people to leave to go to ocner countries where they had offers of suitable employment. Mr. Algie quoted cases where hardship had resulted through so j much control. The present Government believed in socialism, but the iOpposition believed in democracy. Socialism meant that the State controlled all things, while democracy meant self-government.. Things worked out by a man at a desk in Wellington were not always satisfactory wnen put into practice. What was required was human happiness. It would be unsafe to remove control suddenly. It would take time, but they must keep back men who loved control. The battle against socialism was two-thirds won, for the leaders were getting .cold feet. Slumps could come through naturai causes, but no man would be so wicked as to cause the sufiering that came with a slump. He had said nothing as to what one would get if the National Party was returned to power. Could we keep the good things that had been produced by the present and previous Governments? Could we improve upon them? • Mr. Algie thanked the audience for its attentive hearing and asked for support of democracy. The chairman then invited questions. Mr. Graham asked if the speaker would support a measure that would prevent any Government from making changes in the Legislature Act without a referendum of the electors. Mr. Algie replied that he would not support such a measure. The members were elected to represent the people, and it might become necessary to make changes at any time. If near the end of the threeyear term a bomb was dropped on this country, or there was an emergencv. the Government might require to remain in office to deal with the situation. Mr. Graham referred to the wording of the Act, which was for three years and no longer. Mr. Algie replied that the life of Parliament had been extended on two occasions. On one occasion it was right, and on the other it was wrong. Mr. Galloway asked why the leader and some' members of the Opposition had voted to give the Prime Minister a blank cheque to act upon at a conference. Mr. Algie replied that he considered that the Government -had not given sufficient informatiom to justify the giving of such power, and that he had not supported it. Mr. Monk moved that a hearty vote of thanks be tendered to Mr. Algie for his most Interesting address. This was carried with enthusiasm. Mr. Algie thanked those present and, asked for a vote of thanks for the cflairman, which also received a good response. • >