COMING ELECTION

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 32, Issue 3291, 21 July 1943, Page 5

COMING ELECTION

MR BROADFOOT’S ADDRESS MEETING HELD IN WAIHI NATIONAL PARTY’S CAMPAIGN Nearly 200 people, including many ladies, gave an attentive hearing to Mr W. J. Broadfoot, M.P. for Waitomo, when he spoke under the auspices of the New Zealand National Party in the Miners’ Hall, Waihi, last week. Mr R. W. Stevens, of the Thames Coast, presided. Before Mr Broadfoot gave his address, Mr W. A. Clark,, National candidate for the Thames electorate, explained that in offering his services he was not actuated by any personal ambition, and his future needs were provided for; but in consenting to accept nomination he did so in the interests of better government; of the provision of a comprehensive and constructive policy of rehabiliation; and more satisfactory arrangements in regard to the primary producer and the marketing of his produce. He claimed that the present Government had failed in these respects. “ Election Necessary ” In his opening remarks, Mr Broadfoot said there had been much controversy in the Press and elsewhere as to whether an election should be held, and the only reason that could be given was that there had been thedirect threat of invasion. That threat had now passed, or was certainly very remote. Elections had been held in •South Africa, Canada and Australia and had not caused any disruption or disunity so far as the war effort was concerned, and there was no reason why any disruption should be caused in New Zealand. He believed the great majority of the people of the Dominion considered that an election was necessary after five years. The issue at stake was between the two predominant parties, Labour and those definitely opposed to Labour government, said Mr Broadfoot. Votes cast for Independent candidates would be votes wasted. He criticised* the Government for not having carried out promises it had made while in the Opposition, including the promised abolition of the sales tax, which had been described by Labour before it caipe into power as an iniquitous tax. Mr Broadfoot also said he did not think it right that we in New Zealand should be working a 40-hour week when women were working without complaint exceptionally long hours in the blast furnaces, of the Old Country as their part in the war effort, with rations and amenities that were incomparably below our own war-time standards.

Burden of Taxation Referring to taxation, the speaker said that in 1935, when Labour came into office, this amounted to £l7 5s 8d a head of the population; by 1939 it had increased to £2l 17s 6d a head; and by 1942 to £3O 16s, exclusive of any money required for war purposes. Taxation for 1943 amounted to the huge sum of £88,300,000, which equalled £53 a head for every man, woman and child in the Dominion. Surely, he said, saturation point had been reached. Taxation should be more equitable, and should not be such as to prevent people from preparing against a rainy day. Other matter!? dealt with included the build-ing-up of huge reserve from radio licences and the continuance of warrisk insurance, while Mr . Broadfoot maintained that radio should be controlled by an impartial body, as was the case in England with the 8.8. C. Only in this 'way could fairness to all parties and individuals 'be obtained. ’After the chairman had congratulated the meeting on the sporting spirit in which it had received the speaker, several questions were asked and answered. Rehabilitation Plans The Rev. R-. Day expressed concern regarding provision for the rehabilitation of returned Servicemen, and Mr Broadfoot replied that this was a matter to which the National Party had given and was giving, full attention. First and foremost, he said, iti was proposed to place those who desired on partially developed land purchased at an economic price and capable of maintaining a family in comfort, while others who wished would be assisted to establish themselves in their own businesses or profession. There was room, too, for the development of the hydro-electric power of the country, which had been sadly neglected in the past to the detriment of industry. On the motion of Mr Day, who was seconded by Mr C. Rickard, a vote of thanks to Mr Broadfoot for his address was carried by acclamation.