ULTIMATE SOCIALISM

Chronicle (Levin), 26 November 1946, Page 7

ULTIMATE SOCIALISM

-Press Association

Tomorrow's Election Issue MR. HOLLAND'S MESSAGE

By Telegraph-

WELLINGTON, Nov. 25. "We are now nearing the end of amomentous campaign," said the Leader of the National Farty (Mr. S. G. Holland) in a final message tonight. "Only the final words remain' to be said. In this connection I am sure all fairminded people will agree with me when I repeat that it is manifestly improper that the Priine Minister shouid have two hours — or as 'much time as he likes — on the air tomorrow night. > "I do not object to the Prime Minister having the last word, but I think a very good principle was observed in the past when each party leader spole for only a quarter of an hour on the final night, thus limiting the opportunity to make claims, offers or staleineuts whieh the otlier would have no opportunity to answer. "I do not imagine, of course, that anvthing the Prime Minister is likeiv L to sav tomorrow night will make much i diirerence. I believe the majoriiy of j the people have already uuule up their i mimls and are not likeiv to be influenc- ! ed at this late stage. Froin my obserj vations during my six weeks' tour, in ) the course of which i visited practically 1 every considerable centre of population, 1 feel that oue can sav with conlLdence. i that the mood of the people lias chang- | ed. They are not only exasperated with the many shortcomings of tlie Labour j Adminislration which have» been reJflected in shortages of goods, high prices, high taxes, pover cutoffs and travel difiiculties, but also beyond thes.e they see a larger issue looming up. That issue is whetlier or not the people are to be Riibjected to an ever-increasing degree of State dotiiimition and interference, or be free to clioose for themselves their course of life, Yhe goods i they mav buv and tlie methods in which tliey mav spend their money. "Mr. Fraser and practically all the Labonr candidates, except on rare occasions when the real truth has emerged, have throughout the campaign shown a remarkable desire to sidestep the Socialistic issue. We have had from Mr. Fraser some declarations which are not only completely at variance with his own past statements bixt also with the policy and enactments of his Governnient in recent years. "I do not think the pu'olic will be deceived by this. They know Labour is the Socialistic Party and that while there may he within the party degrees of enthusiasm for Socialism there is suflicient pressure from the powerful left wing elements to make the politicians do as they are told. "Besides the Labour Conference only a year ago decided that this election must be fought on the issue of Ultimate Socialism, so it is futile for the Prime Minister to repudiate it now. "As far as tlie National Party is concerned, we have tried to make it idear tliat we pia our faith to tlie system of free competilive euterprise, subjpct of course to appropriate Government measures to safeguard the public interest shouid tlie need arise. It is of no use for Labour speakers to charge tliat we are the servants of some unspecilied hidden forces. That is an old tale, but I do not imagine thinking jieople will be friglitened by sach bogeys. " We of the National Party — and 1 hm proud of our line team of candidates I — do not yield oue inch to Mr. Fraser in eoncern for the eommunity as a wliole. In tlie performance of puldic duty we do not fear comparisons. At lcast 50 per cent of our candidates are returned soldiers. Many have already | rendered hue service in public allairs. j " lt is idle to mislead the people into I thinking that such men would counten- j aiice measures injurious to the counlry or lts people. We are conlident, on the contrary, tliat our policv will bring great boiielits. Not only will the roliixation of needless controls bring mere efi'ective use of the productive energies of the people, but eflicient adiuinistration directed by men who have already proved themselves in practical ways will liave positive advantages wliich will be felt throughout the whole of the economic and social structure of the coiuitrv. " Under specific policy headings J have been gratilied during my tour at the warm a|iproval with which our housing proposals have been received. State tenants and prospective liome builders have shown intense interest and the support of building'societies is most heartening. Women in all my audiences have responded to tlie prol>osal to substitute a Poard of Trade on which women will be represenled for tlie present rigid system of import restrictions and the approval expressed by the ^Manufacturers ' Federation has shown that industrial employment wiiJ not be endangered. ' ' Our proposals for enabling elderly people to gain some reward for their tlirift by treating the iirst £300 of inconie as eamed incoine have been received with enthusiasm by those affected, and there has too been a great interest in our proposed grant of an increased age lienelit rising by 2/(5 each year for those who render service to the commuuit.y by continuing to do useful work after feaching the age of (10.. Molorists have weleomed the proposed reduction of the petrol tax by 4^1 a gal- J lon and there will of course be a re- ' duction of (5d in the £ in the v age tax which the National Party advooated loug before the Governnient announcod j it, if we are electcd as a Governnient j on Wednesday. "In short shouid there be a changej there will be advantages for all, and 110 one will have anytliing to fear. I \Vhether they are in public or private' employment or in business for tlieinselves in a small way or a large wa y, the public of New Zealand can efitruat their destinies to my party with the sure knowledge that nothiug in humap

| sympathy, sinceritv, goodwill or patrioj tism will be lacking in the perforuiaiicc I of our duties. i "As a final word, T wish to express ! my personal thanks to the many fiiends ' and well-wishe'rs who ■ gave me such wonderful encouragement during my tour. My fellow citizens paid me the compliiuent oi showing intense interest in my meetings and broadcasts. I am noiv well content to leave the decision in their hands and to accept their verdict whichever way it may go."