LABOUR’S RECORD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 October 1938, Page 7

LABOUR’S RECORD

HON. W. NASH AT CARTERTON GIVEN AN EXCELLENT HEARING. TRIBUTE TO MR B. ROBERTS. (“Times-Age” Special.) “If you think our record is wprthy of your confidence we are asking you to send us back for another term,” observed the Minister of Finance, the Hon W. Nash, when addressing an audience of about 500 in the King’s Theatre, Carterton, last night. Mr Nash dealt with the guaranteed price scheme and the Social Security Act and touched on aspects of Labour’s financial and other policies. He was given a most attentive hearing and there was complete freedom from interjections. . At the conclusion of his address he was applauded and cheered and a motion was carried unanimously thanking him for his address and expressing confidence in Mr B. Roberts as the Labour candidate for the district and in the Labour Government. Mr Nash was introduced by the Mayor, Mr D. L. Taverner, and Mr Roberts was also on the stage. In paying a tribute to Mr Roberts, Mr Nash saia there was no man in Parliament for whom he had a greater respect than the Labour candidate for Wairarapa. He could not conceive of Mr Roberts lying or deceiving anyone ana there was no man in the House whose character and integrity stood higher. After describing the guaranteed prices scheme, 'as reported in another column, Mr- Nash dealt with what had been accomplished by the Labour Government during its three years. Since Labour took office the income of the farmers had increased by £26 millions, that of other workers by £33 millions and of the country as a whole by £72 millions. The country's overseas indebtedness had been reduced and they had balanced every Budget they had'placed before the House. Post Office Savings Bank deposits were higher than they had ever been before. Deposits had exceeded withdrawals during Labour’s term by over £5 millions but in the three years before Labour took. office withdrawals had exceeded deposits by £6 millions. There was not the slightest shadow of restriction on,with-drawals-from the-Pbst Office Savings Bank in spite of what some National Party candidates said to the contrary. . Dealing with the Social Security Act. its provisions and benefits, Mr Nash said the Act was now law in New Zealand because of the determination and single-mindedness of one of the finest men who ever lived in the country—the Prime Minister. (Applause). He knew of no man or woman who exceeded Mr Savage in single-mindedness, unselfishness and a determination to help those in need. The Act was founded on the principle that the first call on all. the wealth that production could create should be for the care of the aged, the care of the ailing and the care of the young. Outlining the benefits to be derived under the Act, Mr Nash said the old age pensions wore the most generous that had ever operated in New.. Zealand or any other country since pension schemes had been introduced. All benefits under the scheme would be completely free from the payment of taxation. Labour ‘had brought more happiness and joy to the homes of the average people than had been known in years, declared Mr Nash when urging that continued support should be accorded the Government because of its achievements of the past three years.