Labour Policy Indicted

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 308, 30 December 1939, Page 6

Labour Policy Indicted

Mr. Hamilton’s New Year Message STRONG AND CLEAR LEAD NEEDED Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. “The year 1U39 was a red letter one iu New /.ealand's history both nationally and internationally and 1949 promises to present us witu equally difficult if not even more testing problems," says the leader of the Opposition, lion. A. Hamilton, in a New Year message to the people of tho Dominion. * ‘ Tnerefore, as we pause on the threshold of the New Year, it is well to take stock of our position and prepare with great resolution, high purpose, undimined hope and enduring courage, to face realities. 1 believe our people are made of the stuff that will confront and overcome our difficulties, national and international. “First our war effort in support of Great Britain must be complete and unhesitating. I want it made clear at the beginning of the year that not only has tho Government completely to revise both its approach and its policy iu securing anything like general confidence in its ability to run tUo country at war, but it has also to undertake never again to transgress by endeavouring to implement a policy of State socialism in New Zealand under tho cloak of war emergency. A strong and clear lead necessarily expected from the Government has not beeu forthcoming. Instead, there lias existed and grown up under official connivance, stimulation and provocation feelings of petty dissension and disharmony. This must cease, but it cannot ceaso unless there is a complete revision of the policy at present being followed. ‘/To my mind it is an unfortunate comment on our position that the Government of the day jjroduces only hotbeds of dissension iu the war effort from within its own ranks. Our internal difficulties also deservo extremely urgent consideration. It would take a volume to enumerate them all, but here tfro a few:— * ‘ The crying need for some organisation of universal military service and the placing of the lecruiting scheme on a proper basis. * ‘ Tho import restrictions leading to shortages of essential goods and raw materials and to unemployment. “The commandeer of radio for party ends in a manner unexcelled by any dictator country in tho world and the public scandal and abuso of trust and privilege unknown in a British country. “Public and relief works of unproductive character still going full Mast and actually being extended to further luxury items in the first few months of tho war. “The falling of primary production, followed by a farm labour crisis, and farmers unable to oiler wages competitive with thoso being offered by the State for unproductive work. “The cost of living which outstrips alarmingly all fixed incomes and salaries to a point of oppressive reduction in the standard of living of the average men, women and families. “ A financial crisis bringing disrepute to our good name and further threatened by experiments by tho State which must further undermine our ability to stand a severe test. “Those are but a few that are concerned vitally with the happiness and wellbeing of the everyday lives of our people at this time, l can add this most earnestly, that the National Party has those men and the inspiration of the great body of New Zealanders from every walk of life and section of the community behind them. I would suggest that in the underlying spirit of the National Party unity, harmony, tolerance and solidity, backed up by the hearts, minds and wills of courageous New Zealanders, lies hope for reconstruction of the Dominion. Detractors are realising to-day the strength and determination of the really wonderful New Zealand people I am proud to lead. New Zealand needs men and women to-day prepared to put a great effort into laying the foundation for a really united war effort and for internal reconstrue tion. ’ ’