FACTS, NOT MYTHS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 150, 27 June 1934, Page 9

FACTS, NOT MYTHS.

TARIFF PROPAGANDA.

MR. COATES' REJOINDER.

"WHAT IS A MINISTER TO THINK ? "

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. "Already some published resolutions on the tariff question have compelled me to utter a word of warning against the public acceptance of plausible halftruths and exaggerations from sectional interests and propagandists," stated the Minister of Finance, Hon. J. G. Coates, to-night. "This question is complex and difficult enough to call for calm consideration in the light of facts, not of myths, and unfortunately a number of myths are being circulated. "It is simply not true to say that New Zealand has failed to comply with her obligations under the Ottawa Agreement. Nobody who knows the facts believes the charge to be true, and nobody who cares for his country's good name would persist in making the false and malicious charge. The accusation is that the Government delayed in setting up the Tariff Commission, but, as I have stated already, the delay was requested by the British Government. That at least should be clear. "Another distinctly serious circumstance has been brought to my notice in connection with this propaganda. In common with other public men, I have received telegrams purporting to come from Mayors of several towns. In two instances the Mayors concerned have stated that the telegrams were not in fact sent by them. What is a Minister to think when, after receiving a telegram over the name of a Mayor and acknowledging it in all good faith, he received in reply a letter from the Mayor saying, 'I was in no way interested or concerned in the framing of the resolution which was forwarded to you, nor was permission sought or obtained from me for the use of my signature to the telegram. I resent the liberty which has been taken.' These words are quoted from a letter that I have just received. "Comment on this sort of propaganda is, I think, needless, beyond saying that it mnrks a new departure in New Zealand public and political controversy, and the public will bo on their guard accordingly. The questions that suggest themselves are, what are the objectives and hopes of the organisation which, in the name of Imperial reciprocity, resorts to these practices, and do the objectives justify the methods that have been adopted?"