Election speeches by Adam Hamilton and Michael J. Savage. 1938-10-14

Pre-Election Speeches, Adam Hamilton and Michael Joseph Savage, 14th October 1938.

Labour leader Michael Joseph Savage speaks from 2YA, Wellington. He defends the record of the first Labour Government and attacks the "Nationalist's" propaganda emanating from newspapers. He claims that the National Party "traffic in fear" and are scare-mongering. He says that the Labour Government has "rehabilitated the whole country" and will not socialize farms or deprive people from their inheritance. Nor will they socialize private medical providers, insurance, stock and station, banks and other services.
He defends the Social Security Act (which is to come into effect on April 1) and the social agenda of his government. He quotes a telegram from the Wheat and Woolgrower's Union of Western Australia supporting his government's policies. He attacks the 'skinflint policies' of the National Party and how they would affect the social security benefits his party has introduced.
He says a vote against Labour is a vote against mothers, invalids, widows, orphans, old people and children.

[Introductory music] National Party leader Adam Hamilton gives his leader's speech broadcast from 1YA, Auckland. He appeals to the rights of the individual against the dangers of socialism, outlines his political campaign trail, mentions his early life on a Southland farm and later Otago University. He sees social welfare as destroying people's self-reliance. His criticism of Labour includes the comment "the socialists seek to restore the life of the herd" and Labour's use of radio to "force its own views down the throats of people".