MUST TAKE POLITICS SERIOUSLY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 27, 16 February 1937, Page 5

MUST TAKE POLITICS SERIOUSLY

-Press AsBociation.)

National Party Leader Speaks at Martinborough ! . DEMOCRACY'S PERIL

(By Teleeraph-

WELLINGTON, Last Night. "It is time w© took the business of politics pretty seriously and stated our preferences whether we axe going to be governed by the Labour Party for years to come, or whether we are going to hav© a Government representing every section of. the community," said the leader of the National Party, the Hon. Adam Hamilton) in addressing a gathering of about 20O frem all parts of the electorate in Martinborough tftnight. Mr Hamilton was heard with intense interest and, at the conclusion of his remarks, a hearty vote of thanks and an assurance of undivided loyalty was carried unanimously and withi acclamation. JVlr Hamilton said the Labour Government w.as not truly representative of the people because jt wis driven along by a section called the Alliance of Labour and the Trades Union Council. During last election, it had promised to remove the saies tax, but it had not done that and, in fact, had clapped on another £3,000,000 in income taxation. This was a tirue when some relief should be given to the taxpayer. The previous Government had wanted to bring about relief from taxation, but it had to wait until the time was opportun© and, finally, it was not ^iven an opportunity. Pointing out the soundnesa of party government, Mr Hamilton explained that it was impossible to nominate a candidate from a district who would suit all electors. The only thing that was workable .was to have two parties, the Government and the Opposition. Thafc worked well in a democratic country for the Opposition was able to analys© the proposals oi the Government and hold up alternative suggestions to the public, .which could then judge what was best. "This country stands for democracy," he said. "We don't believe in Fascism or Communism, which are the alternatives, but if we don't let our democratic system work — and we did not at the last election — then we will have either Fascism or Communism and, personally, I think it will be Communism." Mr Hamilton added that he was quite sure that New: Zealand did not want to be governed by the Labour Party. It was in for this term, however, and the job was to organise for two parties.