UNITEDS CRITICISED

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1076, 13 September 1930, Page 8

UNITEDS CRITICISED

BY-ELECTION CAMPAIGN FOR WAIPAWA SEAT “GIANTS OF THE PAST” Special to THE SUN ■HASTINGS, Today. “Excessive overseas borrowing may result In a temporary benefit, but in the long run It is bound to raise the cost of living, cripple trade, and produce increased unemployment This has now happened in Australia. Thanks to the years of Reform administration. New Zealand's finances are still fairlv sound, and we axe not yet in Australia’s plightj but we shall soon find ourselves in a similar plight if this Labour - United extravagance continues.” Mr. W. Tucker, Reform candidate in tho Waipawa by-election, made the above statements last evening when he opened his campaign at Tikokino. “We hear a lot about the political giants of the past,” he said. “Mv memory takes me back to Richard Seddon and Sir Joseph Ward, who in their prime did invaluable service to New Zealand, but the name of William Ferguson Massey will never die. For many years he served New Zealand as its trusted, tried, and faithful Prime Minister. No other occupant of that responsible office ever toiled longer hours or worked more devotedly for tho good of the country and the Empire of which he was so proud. He was regarded as one of the truly great men of the Empire, and as the leader of a young and virile democracy that, under his guidance, has come to take its place among the nations of the world. “The ideals for which Mr. Massey stood are the ideals of the Reform Party today. It must be remembered that the late Reform Government, led by Mr. Massey and Mr. Coates, held office during what was probably the most difficult period in the whole history of New Zealand. First came the war, then came the period of worldwide economic chaos, boom, and slump, following the war. Despite all the difficulties and uncertainties of the time, the Reform Government put up a wonderful record. It is a record of which we can be justly proud. TRAVELLING EXPENSES In his criticism of the United Party, Mr. Tucker quoted figures showing how the travelling allowances of Ministers and their secretaries had increased since the party took office. In 1927-28 Reform spent £9343 a year on travelling. In 1929-30 the United Party spent £16,705. This was an increase of 77 per cent. Mr. Tucker referred to the United Party’s 1928 election manifesto as a series of ridiculous assertions and promises. There were three policies—one drawn up by the candidates, including the Acting - Prime Minister, Mr. Ransom: one quite different which was presented to the electors; and one entirely different, now being pursued in the House. He ref erred to the fact that originally the party intended to reform the Legislative Council by reducing th* number of members to 20. However, the number had been increased by th# addition of six of the party’s friends. Speaking of taxation and the United Party’s promises. Mr. Tucker said that in 1928. under Reform, the customs taxation was £7,420,500. In 1929, under United, it was £7.954.000. and in 1930 it was £8.897.000. Since the L?nited Party’ took office, it had increased customs duty by almost a million pounds. Comparing tax revenue in the last year of Reform, and the first year of United, there was an amazing increase of £2,325.000. “In spite of being found out by’ this enormous increase, they boast of a surplus of £148,000, very little to boast about —£2,250,000 extra taxation out of the pockets of the people, and a surplus of £148.000,” continued Mr. Tucker. RAILWAY POLICIES “The United Party’s two railway policies were in direct contradiction. The one actually’ put into operation I consider most unsound. Our railways are now showing an annual loss of £1.230,000, and the estimated annun! loss on new lines is £750,000. making a total loss per annum on our railways of £2.000.000. “ Unless this suicidal policy is checked. I assure you that it will constitute a grave menace to the future prosperity of Zealand. Political railroad building must stop. Our present railways should be investigated by competent authorities, not Royal Commissions. And, as Mr. Coates lias suggested, they should be placed under board control.” Air. Tucker dealt at some length with, the policy of the Reform Party, and quoted Labour Party references to th© effect that so long as the Government did what it was told the Labour Party’ would keep it in power.