FORTY-NINE SEATS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 84, 6 October 1938, Page 10

FORTY-NINE SEATS

CLAIM FOR NATIONAL

PARTY

ELECTION FORECAST

"On a very conservative basis, excluding all doubtful, and, of course, all definitely Labour seats, I am confident that not fewer than 49 National members will be returned," said Mr. C. H. Weston, K.C., president of the New Zealand National Party, in an interview yesterday.

Today the party organisation comprised over 1000 branches all connected with headquarters at Wellington through electorate and divisional committees, said Mr. Weston. This close association, forming one corporate body, enabled an accurate analysis of the strength of the two rival parties to be made.

"The reports from the branch chairmen and from electorate organisers, based upon house-to-house canvass and the unprecedented enthusiasm of our thousands of voluntary workers, is that there is a definite swing away from Socialism towards freedom and security," said Mr. Weston.

"Our committees are unanimous in reporting support from the women of the Dominion, and from the younger voters. The former are convinced of the sincerity of Mr. Hamilton's policy in determining that their interests shall be protected. "Promises to relieve them from unemployment tax on wages and salaries, and to appoint a Ministry .of Social Welfare, have done a great deal to create this feeling of satisfaction, but underlying that is a resentment against so much of the present Government's legislation, which in practice has placed . unforeseen burdens upon the housewife and the girl who has to earn her own living. The younger voters, we gauge, regard a future, in a Socialist State with dismay. Workers in shops and industries are apprehensive of present Labour Government interference with business and realise that the continuance of their jobs depends in a large measure upon removing the^ Present fear and uncertainty an<? substituting confidence and security. "A big poll is indicated, both sides being impressed with the necessity of getting every vote recorded.