LABOUR LEADER

Hokitika Guardian, 7 September 1931, Page 5

LABOUR LEADER

STATEMENT AT MEETING

ELECTION IN TWO MONTHS

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association)

(Received this day at 9.25 'a.m) WELLINGTON, September 7.

The general election will be held in two months’ time, was the forecast by the leader of the Labour Party, Mr H. E. Holland at the close of an address at the Trades Hall last night. “We are on the verge of the greatest political fight in the history oi New Zealand,” declared Mr Holland, \ “and it will come in two months’ time. Those- responsible, who are attempting to create the pychology of a postponement, are only helping to postpone tfie but we are determined that the general elections shall be held. We desird td fight those who have dragged Labour down to the present intolerable position.” - A member of the audience attempted to ash a. question, But Mr Holland said he would answer any question uy correspondence. A voice—-You are that much up in the air that you can’t answer a question. Air Holland—l am not talking to men who blackleg the Labour movement. A voice—The Labour Party can’t do much.

Mr Holland—The man who is saying that Las no faith in the Labour Party. Another voice—We have precious little in your Party. At this stage there was a slight uproar, several speakers demanding answers to the question. Mr Holland stated the Labour Party was fighting all the parties who, represented capitalists, “Millions of money will be involved in the coming fight” he said. “There will be plenty of money available to finance the fight against the Labour movement.

The Labour Party can meet and beat the parties who have made unfair laws, and can alter these laws. Let us go forward to win the greatest Labour victory that has ever been; won in New Zealand.” The Labour leader then called for cheers for a Labour victory at the polls, which were given. i THE LEADER’S COMMENT. WELLINGTON, September 7. A return to prosperity would be delayed if it became necessary to hold a general election shortly, Mr Forbes stated, when asked this morning whether he had any comment to make on Mr Holland’s prediction that an election would take place in two months time.

The Prime Minister said he was unable to predict, but he considered it would help the country out of its difficulties if the election wee postponed.

Hon J. G. Coates said there was nothing to add to what he had previously stated as the Reform Party’s attitude of the subject. “We will take our hurdles a.s we come to them,” he said.