ENTHUSIASTIC MEETINGS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 October 1938, Page 7

ENTHUSIASTIC MEETINGS

MR J. H. IRVING AT PONGAROA OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL (“Times-Age” Special) On Friday afternoon, Mr J. H. Irving, National Party candidate for the Masterton seat, addressed a well-attended meeting at Akitio. Mr Frank Armstrong was in the chair, and Mr Irving was given a splendid hearing. Mrs Irving, addressed a meeting of ladies at Pongaroa on Friday afternoon. Mrs W. E. Davies presided. Mrs Irving, in a spirited address, urged the women to stand by their men in the effort which was being made by the National Party to free New Zealand from Socialism, which was at present stifling private enterprise, and which had as its object the creation of a land of serfs. She urged them' to fight, not only fer security, but for freedom, freedom which permitted all to work out their own destinies, with State aid if necessary, but by their own initiative and enterprise. Mr Irving addressed a meeting at Pongaroa on Friday night. Mr Cyril Hunter, chairman of the Akitio County Council, presided over a record attendance of over 200 electors. The meeting was a most enthusiastic one. Mi Irving dealt fully with most of the important political questions of the day. He said the National Party stood for equal opportunities for all, and for the preservation of freedom. Mr Irving referred to the ever-increasing cost of living, which was being felt by those of limited means, and which was effectively discounting any ' increase in wages. The National Party stood for a complete revision of tax laws, making sure that the method of levying taxes was designed to favour no particular group. Mr Irving quoted the pronouncement made recently by the vice-president of the American Federation of Labour on the subject of taxation: —“Taxes provide the greatest single contribution to the cost of living today. It makes no difference whether these taxes are paid in the first instance by big businesses, industry, the public utilities, the railroads, the banks or the insurance companies, it is the ultimate consumer who pays them in the end.” The National Party, said Mr Irving, stood for free medical and specialist service for those in receipt of less than

the basic wage, and for a similar service for the more fortunate section of the community on a contributory basis. After Mr Irving had answered several questions, Mr W. E. Davies proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the candidate, and of confidence in him. and in the National Party. This was carried unanimously.-.