TESTING TIME

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20133, 30 December 1939, Page 4

TESTING TIME

DIFFICULT PROBLEMS FACING REALITIES UNDIMMED HOPE MR. HAMILTON SPEAKS (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day: “Nineteen hundred and thirty-nine was a red-letter year in New Zealand’s history, both nationally and internationally. The year 1940 promises to present us with equally difficult if not more even more- testing problems,” says the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Adam Hamilton, in a New Year message to the people of the Dominion. “Therefore, as we pause on the threshold of a new year, it is well to take stock of our position and to prepare with great resolution, high purpose, undimmed hope and enduring courage to face realities. I believe that our people are made of the stuff that will confront and overcome ouq difficulties —national and international. “First, our war effort in support of Great Britain must be complete and unhesitating. I want it made clear at the beginning of the year that not only has the Government completely to revise both its approach and its policy in securing anything like general confidence in its ability to run the country at war, but it has also to undertake never again to transgress by endeavouring to implement the policy of State socialism in New Zealand under 'the cloak of war emergency. The strong and clear lead necessarily expected from the Government has not been forthcoming. Instead there has existed and grown up under official connivance, stimulation and provocation feelings of petty dissension and disharmony. This must cease, but it cannot cease unless there is a complete revision of the policy at present being followed. Hotbeds of Dissension “To my mind it is an unfortunate comment on our position that the Government of the day produces only hotbeds of dissension in the war effort from within its own ranks. “Our internal difficulties also deserve extremely urgent consideration. It would take a volume to enumerate them all, but here are a few: “The crying need for some organisation of universal military service and the placing of the recruiting scheme on a proper basis, import restrictions leading to shortages of essential goods and raw materials and to unemployment. “Commandeer of the radio for party ends in a manner unexcelled by any dictator country in the world, and a public scandal and abuse of trust and privilege unknown in a British country. \

Unproductive Work

“Public and relief works" of unproductive character still going full blast and actually being extended to further luxury items in the first few months of the war.

“The falling primary production, followed by a farm labour crisis and farmers unable to offer wages competitive with those being offered by the State for unproductive work.

“The cost of living, which outstrips alarmingly all fixed incomes and salaries to the point of oppressive reduction of the standard of living of the average men, women and families.

“A financial crisis bringing disrepute to our good name and which is further threatened by experiments by the State which must further undermine our ability to stand a severe test.

Hope For Reconstruction

“Those are but a few that are concerned vitally with the happiness and well-being of the everyday lives of our people. At this time I can add this most earnestly—the National Party has those men and the inspiration of a great body of New Zealanders from every walk of life and section of the community behind, them. I would suggest that in the underlying spirit of the National Party, unity, harmony, tolerance and solidity, backed up by the hearts, minds and wills of courageous New Zealanders lies hope for the reconstruction of the Dominion.

“Detractors are realising to-day the strength and determination of the really wonderful New Zealand people I am proud to lead, and it is a host to the colours to which, I am thrilled to say, many are flocking.

“For this new year I would say: Take politics more seriously than ever before. New Zealand needs men and women to-day prepared to put great effort into laying the foundation for a really united war effort and for internal reconstruction.”