LABOUR LEADER

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1930, Page 1

LABOUR LEADER

(By Te.legrapn—Per Press Association.) WAIROA, May 19. Referring to hi.s address here tonight to the existing political situation, Mr H. E. Holland, M.P., Leader of the Labour Party, said that he thought the main effect of the resignation of the Prime Minister would reflect itself tlirough the , United Party, which had been built up around t Sir .Joseph Ward’s personality, and which wholly owed its continued existence to him. Its elements were so extremely diverse that, with Sir Joseph no longer at its head, it was more than possible that the Party would soon find itself beset with internal troubles. That fact might easily hasten a political crisis. So far as the Labour Party was concerned, said Mr Holland, its declared attitude is not to be changed. Tt would stand by its principles as they were outlined in the decision of the special meeting of the Party held in February last, and confirmed at the annual Labour Conference at Easter. These principles included: “An advanced land settlement policy together with the conservation and encouragement of secondary industries; the further absorption of unemployed on works of a necessary public chaiacter, including the effective roading of the back country areas and the speedy completion of the justifiable railway works. Where necessary works were so undertaken the standard rates of pay were to prevail, and relief rates were to be abolished. The creation of an Employment TJoaid and Unemployment Insurance were other items of Labour’s programme, ami also the organisation of the credit nml of the overseas marketing of tne Dominion’s primary products, along the lines of the British Government’s policy. The Labour Party would press for these while the present Government, remained in office, and also lor a revision of the policy in Mostein Samoa.” ]f Labour came into office, said the speaker, it would give legislative effect to its proposals. Mr Holland further said that Fn •Joseph Ward’s retirement, the cause of which all deplored, could not hr put forward as an excuse lor delaying the meeting of Parliament or for ' -tiling hack any part of the legislation promise. In view of the appalling situation in relation to unemployment and of the importance of kindred problems almost equally as serious Parliament should he called together at the earliest possible moment. Mr Holland suggested that the new Government would require time to make preparations for the session. hut he pointed out that intima. lions had been made that the Goveininent’s programme of measures was well in hand. 11 was not suggested that the Prime Minister’s resignation would mean a new programme. There was no reason why. without waste ol time, the House should not get down to business.