NATIONAL PARTY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 September 1938, Page 7

NATIONAL PARTY

MR J. F. THOMPSON’S CAMPAIGN. BRANCH FORMED AT SOUTH FEATHERSTON. (“Times-Age” Special.) There was a large attendance at a meeting in South Featherston on Wednesday last, when it was decided to form a branch of the National Party. Mr D. H. S. Riddiford was chairman at the meeting, Mr J. F. Thompson, National candidate, addressed the meeting and outlined in detail the issue Socialism versus Private Enterprise, pointing out that whilst the Labour Party was in Opposition they had never suggested that the remedy for New Zealand’s difficulties was the socialisation of the means of production, distribution and exchange. They had claimed rather that the difficulties could be overcome by an alteration in the monetary system and a greater use of the public credit. Their objective now was clearly Socialism, implemented by smooth Legislative transition. Mr J. J. Maher (chairman of the Upper Hutt branch of the National Party) also addressed the meeting and dealt concisely with guranteed prices, compulsory unionism and the problems farmers faced today as the result of the Government’s legislation. Hearty votes of thanks were enthusiastically accorded to the speakers. A strong branch committee was set up, with Mr P. R. Wilton as chairman, to support Mr Thompson’s candidature.

WESTERN LAKE MEETING. “

Mr H. F. Toogood (Wellington) addressed a well attended meeting of electors at Western Lake, dealing with the National Party organisation, pointing out that throughout the Dominion large numbers of people were daily being enrolled as members. Mr Toogood traversed the results of the Government’s legislation and stated that he believed the majority of New Zealanders desired their individaul freedom and not regimentation. He said more industrial disputes had arisen under the present Government than ever before and cited the tactics adopted in recent strikes. Mr J. F. Thompson, National candidate for Wairarapa, briefly thanked the speaker and stated that the campaign would be fought cleanly and on fundamental issues. Mr A. H. Ashdown occupied the chair and a very hearty vote of thanks to Messrs Toogood and Thompson was carried.