PARTY LEADERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 September 1943, Page 3

PARTY LEADERS

PRIME MINISTER’S CLAIM POLICY SUPPORTED CONFIDENCE IN UNITED CO-OPERATION. 4 DEFEAT OF COLLEAGUES REGRETTED. (By Telegraph—Press Asso nation.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The claim that the policy of the Government in peace and war had been endorsed and supportedby 44 of the electorates, giving the Government a majority of nine seats, was made by the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, when commenting yesterday on the results of the election. Mr. Fraser said he ha: a ;kod for tho support of h: peep! of New Zealand for the pre ■’.ecuticn of the war effort the eff c e. and successful rehabilitation of our service men and the maintenance ol

our standard of living and social security. “The country has given that mandate,” said the Prime Minister, “and we propose to exercise it in the interests of the people of the Dominion. The Government will continue its work in prosecuting New Zealand’s war effort, and I am confident that it will have the united co-operation of the whole nation in this, the most urgent and important task that confronts us all.” Mr. Fraser thanked the electors for their support and confidence, and pa.rticulary all who assisted so strenuously to maintain the Government. He also wished to thank the chief electoral officer, Mr, L. Irwin, 'and all his official staffs throughout the country. He congratulated the Maori people on their clear realisation of the issues at stake and their splendid response at the polls on Friday. “I regret the loss of a number of tried and trusted colleagues who have rendered splendid service in Parliament for the people of the Dominion,” said the Prime Minister. I specially mention my Cabinet colleagues, the Hon. J. G. Barclay and the Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer, who as Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Health respectively have shown such conspicuous ability in administering their portfolios in difficult and trying times.”