MR SAVAGE GRATEFUL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 October 1938, Page 4

MR SAVAGE GRATEFUL

BROADCAST ON SATURDAY NIGHT PARTY OBJECTS DECLARED. APPEAL FOR CO-OPERATION OF ALL SECTIONS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. “I warmly thank the electors for their expression of confidence in the Government and Labour Party,” said the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, in his broadcast speech on election night. ‘ You have given us another splendid victory. Indeed, the result of the general elections today is even a greater triumph than the one we secured three years ago. “It is greater because the people on this occasion had knowledge of the benefits of Labour’s policy in practice. They have recorded their appreciation in no uncertain way. We have not only secured an overwhelming majority of seats in the House but also an overwhelming majority of votes, which, I think, is a new thing in politics in New Zealand. “As Prime Minister, I assure the country that there is no cause for anxiety abortt the future. We realise our responsibilities and will carry them out on the principles of construc-

tion, not destruction. We mean to build, and I think you will all agree that in our first term of office we laid the solid foundations for a new social structure in this country. “That is our only objective—to give everybody a fair deal, to make conditions more equitable, to make life generally much brighter, more purposeful and more serene. WELFARE OF THE NATION. “This is one of the proudest moments in my life. But there is something deeper than pride in my emotions. There is gratitude. There is also desire to prove worthy of your confidence in me as the leader of the Labopr Government. I will do my best all my days to promote the welfare of the nation.” Mr Savage paid a tribute to the late Mr H. E. Holland, and expressed regret that he had not lived to see the success of the party of which he had laid the foundations. “No joy in life is perfect, and this is particularly true of our triumph at the polls,” Mr Savage continued. “Here and there loyal comrades have fallen in the electoral flight. I feel sure they will rise again and come back to parliamentary life. They did well throughout the Government’s first term of office and deserved re-election as the reward for their earnest and energetic service. They have my gratitude as well as my deepest sympathy. “It is not for me to lick the wounds of our opponents, but I can at least refrain from rubbing salt into them. They also fought strenuously in an honest belief in their cause. “I welcome the return of my colleagues in the Ministry, and in the rank and file of the Parliamentary Labour Party. They been a loyal team, and have worked hard with eagerness and efficiency. To the new Labour members I offer the right hand of fellowship. They are assured of ready friendship in the House of Representatives. “I have no ill-will against the Opposition. Its members played their part in the election campaign, although sorr«? of their ways were not, mine. I hope to have their goodwill in Parliament, and by that I mean the political goodwill which can be expressed in tolerance, even if co-operation be withheld. PARTY WORKERS THANKED. “To all the electors who voted for Labour I extend my sincerest thanks. My gratitude cannot be expressed in words. I also thank all our committees for their splendid work. And let me include in my tribute not only the living, but also the splendid comrades who passed away before the final triumph of the Labour cause. We have built .upon the foundations they laid in difficult days, and their efforts are not forgotten. “It is hardly necessary for me to remind my own loyal people in Auckland West that my heart is filled with appreciation of their great kindness. They know me well and will understand my feelings toward them. “They gave me liberty to go and meet the people in many parts of the Dominion and were themselves content with meeting me on one occasion only—a memorable occasion when my friends and loyal supporters gave me inspiration to do my work as Prime Minister during the campaign. And now they have given me an increased majority. I thank the Auckland West electors for their renewed confidence in me as their representative in Parliament. They know all that is in my heart. "To all the electors. I would like to say this: As a party we represent Labour. but as a Government we represent the people as a whole, irrespective of their opinions. That is a solemn trust which we have not failed to observe in the past, and one which we will not fail to observe in the future. ■■The people have made their'wishes known and it is our duty to give effect to them. And I would make a plea tonight for the confidence and whole-hearted co-operation of all sections of the community. Let us all (work together to make our country the

finest country on earth. Let us, above all, work to abolish poverty and want from our midst. “New Zealand’s heritage will not suffer I assure you. under Labour's care. “With the help of Providence and by our own endeavours we will pass on to a new generation, and I hope to a new age—a richer and nobler commonwealth.”