NATIONAL CANDIDATE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 October 1938, Page 9

NATIONAL CANDIDATE

ADDRESSES AT IHURAUA AND HAMUA. MR IRVING WELL RECEIVED. Two successful meetings were held yesterday by Mr J. H. Irving, National candidate for the Masterton seat. Mrs E. H. Dagg presided over a meeting yesterday afternoon of Ihuraua Valley residents, every family in the district being represented. Mr Irving referred to the fact that almost every Minister of the Crown had visited the Masterton electorate, obviously endeavouring to retain the seat for Labour. The Hon. F. Langstone was the exception, however, because, firstly, he had been a resident here at one time and the district knew just how much he understood the portfolio he held. Mr Irving further stated that the observation made by Mr Langstone on May 3 regarding the farmer had antagonised electors in all farming districts and this one was no exception. The statement was: “That every man who worked on the land wanted a title to a piece of it. What does he want it for? Past history has shown that he wants it to gamble with —to get away with plunder. While I am Minister there is going to be no opportunity given for anyone to do that.” A vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Irving was carried unanimously. HAMUA MEETING. There was a very large attendance at a meeting held in the Hamua Hall last evening, when Mr Irving addressed the electors ancl answered several questions. Mr Irving went into details of the National Party policy, particularly in regard to land settlement and the recognition by the party of the compensated price principle to assist New Zealand producers. He pointed out that the producers of real wealth, which came from the sale of produce overseas, and those associated with the farmers were entitled to first consideration, because the thinking people of New Zealand knew quite well that if this group failed then the whole country would suffer. Mr Irving stated that he was out to fight the election cleanly and on the broad question of principles. He pointed out that New Zealanders were not prepared to throw away their birthright of democracy for the rigid fetters of a Socialistic State. On the motion of Mr Ryan, seconded by Mr G. A. Biddle, a vote of confidence in Mr Irving and in the National Party was carried by acclamation.