NATIONAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 October 1938, Page 5

NATIONAL

MR HAMILTON EN'J AT INVERCARG: ENTERING FINAL ST OF CAMPAIGN. SUPPORTERS CONFIDE' OF VICTORY. (By Telegraph—Press Association.,. INVERCARGILL, October li The Leader of the National Pare the Hon Adam Hamilton, was given a rousing send-off today when he left by express for Dunedin. There were scenes of great enthusiasm at a luncheon attended by about 450 supporters and at the railway station, where a crowd of nearly 3000 had assembled and shouted their hopes of his success at the poll. Both at the luncheon and at the station there were striking demonstrations of the esteem in which he is held. Mr Hamilton expressed appreciation of the tributes paid to him and said they would be a great help in the campaign before him. Mr C. B. Tapley, chairman of the Invercargill branch of the National Party, who presided at the luncheon, said that Mr Hamilton was a man whom they applauded for his sincerity, and that sincerity was more than skin-deep. They all looked on him as a fit and proper person to be in charge of the Government of New Zealand. “Mr Hamilton is a product of Southland and its products take a high place in the world’s markets,” said Mr Tapley. “So will Mr Hamilton take high Parliamentary honours. He has stood up to the Labour bombardment in the past few weeks but now he is going to counter-attack, and we are confident he can break down the Labour defences. He has Mrs Hamilton as his right-hand man and I am sure he will come out on top. “He has a vast army of National Party supporters behind him in the fight for individual liberty, and our army is strong enough to bring about victory. We thank him for what he has done jn building ub our organisation, of which we are justly proud. Mr Hamilton, we express our best wishes for the rest of your campaign. Au revoir and good luck.” Messages were read from the electors of Wallace, Awarua and Invercargill expressing loyalty to, Mr Hamilton as Leader of the National Party and a confident expectation of his becoming Prime Minister of the Dominion.

On rising to speak, Mr Hamilton was greeted with rousing cheers, and the crowd’ sang “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” HEARTENED AND CHEERED. It was rather embarrassing to have ,such a large audience gather to say good-bye and wish Mrs Hamilton and himself well in the rest of the campaign, said Mr Hamilton. He had nad a strenuous fortnight and looked forward to an easier week, but perhaps it would not be so easy for he was going to the bigger centres. Such a large gathering was an inspiration and would cheer him on his way. li he did not know he had such a large proportion of responsible opinion behind him, he would perhaps find it hard after his experience in Nightcaps and other places. They would put up a great fight against Socialism. New Zealand had the highest standard of living in the world, and it was worth fighting to defend it. It was great to see the gathering forces of Nationalism, and he would leave Southland and Wallace heartened and cheered in his campaign. “I am delighted with the messages you have given us,” he said. “We expect, and rightly expect, that the National Party will have 100 per cent success this side of Dunedin, and what an inspiration that will be to the rest of the country.” They were out to keep the real issue before electors. Ministers had come to Southland, but they had only stirred the Nationalists to action. The party had now a better team spirit than ever before and all saw eye to eye on major issues. It was private enterprise, individual freedom and family life against Socialism. “When the numbers go up on Saturday night the National flag will be at the top of the pole," said Mr Hamilton. “We are out to redeem New Zealand’s name for sound Government and regain our rightful place in the eyes of the rest of the British people. This wonderful demonstration has its value. Let us show our strength and pull together.” As Mr Hamilton was preceded along the station platform by a piper he was cheered by a dense throng. The following message was read by Mr Tapley before the train left: The Hon Adam Hamilton, leader of the National Party. On your departure for the north to continue your good work as leader, we of the National Party in Southland hand you this message. On October 15 Southland will return all four National candidates to Parliament and on this day we know well that the rest of New Zealand will abolish Socialism and regain freedom and security by voting in a National Government. Wallace is proud of vou; Southland is proud of you; New Zealand is proud of you. As the train pulled out hats were waved and the crowd sang “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” and there were many expressions for success at the coming poll. At Gore a message from Mataura electors was read.