Mr. J. Mathison, M.P., Speaks In Otaki

Chronicle (Levin), 21 April 1948, Page 2

Mr. J. Mathison, M.P., Speaks In Otaki

On acconnt of the inclement weather at Otaki on Tuesday night there were only between 30 and 40 people present to hear an address by Mr. J. Mathison, M.P. for Avon. Mr. Brindle occupied the chair. Mr . Mathison said he was aiways pleased to meet electors in other electorates as it gave a broader knowledge of views. He was tired of the Opposition putting up bogies, but since the Government had come into power the national savings had increased so much that ithe people were now really prosperous. Mr. Mathison said hp was on friendly terms with Mr. J. J. Maher, M.P. for Otaki, but hoped that next election Mr. Thorn would be returned. v Without a reasonably good majority the Government could do iittle, and it was anxious to do more than had already been done. Before the Government came into olfice thousands of people were out of work and hundreds of farmers and tradespeople were bankrupt* said Mr. Mathison. The Labour Government had taken charge and although the country had to pay £614,000,000 for war expenses it had done better than any other country. In the face of difficulties the Government had built 8000 houses in war-time, and now the total reached 60,000. The only safety for the people was to return the Labour Party to power. He pointed out that this country and the United Kmgdom had not sufficient purchasing power to buy the necessities of life until the Labour Governmem took charge. The aim of the Labour Party was to pay tne farmers a fair price for their produce. Tne Nationalists had stated that if they had got into power they would have reduced income tax, but nct the socis.1 security. In reply to questions, Mr. Mathison said that in respect to lcans falling due, he considered the Government had placed them in a satisfactory conditlon. Voies of thanks to the speaker, chairman and the ladies for supplying supper were carried unanimously.