A FINAL MESSAGE

Hokitika Guardian, 1 December 1931, Page 5

A FINAL MESSAGE

BY HON. G. FORBES.

fßy Telegraph—Per tress Association)

AUCKLAND, November 30

The Prime Minister s final message to the electors on the eve of the election is as follows: “1 desire to address a few final words to tile electors. Speaking with a full sense of responsibility, 1 say again with all the emphasis at my command that never at any time lias it uceii so essential that a stiong anti resolute Government, backed by a solid support in the House of Representatives. slioind be returned at Uiu polls. . The Coalition Government was ibrined in uruer that tlie best efforts of the two main political parties might be co-ordinated m bringing tneir combined energies and experience to bear upon the vital problems which confront the Dominion. “The Government to-clay ask that the electors will accord a decisive and full measure of support to them in their difficult task and that tho people will put themselves solidly behind the Government at this critical period. The Labour Party were invited to assist in the formation of a National Government, but they refused and chose to stand aloof. They are now seeking to take party advantage of the serious economic condition into which the country has been plunged. The main planks in the •Government’s platform briefly aum* marked, are as follows Sound and sate finance, honourable observance of the Dominion’s obligations, national economy, assistance to the producer) development of secondary industries, land settlement, relief for the unemployed worker and aid to local authorities.

“The one clear issue the electors is the maintenance of New Zealand’s good name by safeguarding her financial stability, and by a rigorous elemination of waste and extravagance. The alternatives submitted by the Labour Party are based upon unsound and untried theories, and a failure to admit the realities of the crisis. Tliey are seeking to inflarrio class antagonisms at a time when all sections of the community are suffering from the effects of a world-wide depression. I say without hesitation that the Labour Party’s policy placed before the country at this election would, if given effect to, result in national default, repudiation and insolvency. It would clearly be little short of a national disaster if such proposals were put into operation. It has ’been most gratifying and encouraging to find during my visit to various parts of the Dominion, that members of the Reform and United Parties are imbued with the sain© sense of patriotism in regard to the welfare of the Dominion in this time of financial stress as actuated tlieif repfesentatives iff Parliament in their decision to sink ' party differences affd co-operate lbr the, formation of a Coalition Government, and that they art? working closely and harmoniously together for the return of the Government’s candidates, “I cannot impress too strongly on all friends and supporters of the Government the necessity of recording their votes. The times are too dangerously out of joint to permit of apathy. In conclusion, I wish to place before my fellow citizens the serious responsibility which is theirs in the casting of their votes on December 2nd. The Government of which lam Prime Minister are asking for youi support and endorsement in their difficult task of maintaining financial stability in the present crisis. Your welfare and prosperity depend upon this, and’l am confident that you will recognise it by recording your votes for the Government’s candidates.” THE ARBITRATION ACT. MR FORBES’ CRITICISMS. AUCKLAND, December 1 The Coalition Government’s intentions regarding the Arbitration Actwere referred to by the Prime Minister, Hon. G. W. Forbes, in the Town Hall last night. He said that it was intended to overhaul the whole, system instead of allowing industry to expand it, and to keep it in the straight jacket. The Chairman of the Unemployment Board had said that the greatest difficulty had been experienced in placing men, other than navvies in work owing to the Arbitration Act. Unemployment was the Government’s first and most pressing problem, and any restrictions that stood in the way of men getting back into employment lie ought to do his best to sweep way. (Applause and dissefit). He had been informed by many employers that they were willing to retain their staffs, but owing to reduced turnover they were unable to so at the same rate of pay. A voice: Now we know where you stand. Mi-Forbes said that these men have to go out as unemployed. The voice: Now we’ve got 3011. Mr Forbes: That difficulty must .bo overcome, and it is our intention to deal with it. Touching on the operation of the system generally, Mr Turtles said that if- the Court' proceeded in the direction of increasing wages it would be all tration, and such a one-sided system reducing wages it was all wrong and at times rc taliation by strike was threatened. That \yas not true arbitration, and such a onesided system could not be allowed to continue.