OUR “STRONG MAN.”

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 195, 31 May 1945, Page 4

OUR “STRONG MAN.”

WHO’S HIS MASTER? One of these days some political observer will w r rite an interesting political biography on Mr Walter Nash. For ten years he has stood upon the New Zealand skyline like a political Colossus—our one-and-only “Strong man,” our Financial Wizard, the Master Authority on all problems, the human Inquh*e-Within-Upon-Every thing. For ten years Mr Nash has been a pilot on the bridge of the Ship of Slate. Through fair weather and foul his authority has been asserted and obeyed. But what a change has happened lately! The “Strong Man” has found his master—and where but in the inner circle of Trades Hall! What is Trades Hall? It’s the place where the real leaders of the State Socialist movement sit in conclave, whence come the orders that are leading to the steady shackling of the liberties of the people. The heads of the Government have repeatedly said that there is no dictation from Trades Hall —and yet all the world can see Mr Nash loyally obeying the Trades Hall demand for the State acquisition of the Bank of New Zealand. For several years he has argued in favour of leaving the Bank alone. New Zealand’s experience with excessive State control and restriction should stir the public to protest against the Government’s decision to acquire the Bank of New Zealand, a. move intended to be a major step toward complete State control of everything and everybody. 4x