WAGES & DEFENCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 August 1938, Page 7

WAGES & DEFENCE

POLICY OF THE NATIONAL PARTY MR HAMILTON INTERVIEWED RIGHTS OF WORKERS SUPPORTED (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, August’ 24. The attitude of the National Party toward two major matters of public interest, wages and defence, was discussed by the Leader of the Opposition, tne Hon Adam Hamilton, in reply to questions during an interview today. . , "The rights of the worker are just as sacred to me as are those of anybody else,” Mr Hamilton said. “We approve and support Labour unions and the rignt of workers to form, support and join their unions. When elected we will retain -the compulsory Arbitration Court, which will fix the hours and wages of industrial workers. We will maintain the wages of public servants.” In duscussing defence, Mr Hamilton said the National Party took the view that, while approving of the principles and ideals of the League of Nations, a well-prepared snd strongly-defended British Empire was the greatest seccurity for world peace. “New Zealand must do her share in Empire defence,” he said. “The same applies to the defence of New Zealand. We must have a well-organised and well-balanced defence system which would give a sense of security to our own country against any aggressive nation. “We are determined to have sufficient men to protect the country against invasion,” Mr Hamilton added. “The mere existence of this force would mean that no one would attempt to invade us. I am satisfied that if the matter is properly, handled the necessary force could be obtained on a voluntary basis.”