THE LABOUR GOVERNMENT

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21648, 5 December 1935, Page 17

THE LABOUR GOVERNMENT

TO TBS EDITOR Of THIS PBZ33. Sir, —It will prove a serious matter for New Zealand if certain nervous people continue in the state of foolish alarm that is so evident in some quarters because a Labour Government was returned. If mentalisra is the power that many hold it to be, then a wise attitude to adopt would be to wish well and kindly helpful thoughts about and towards our new Premier and his followers. Buchner says, "The laws of thought are the laws of the universe." Emerson says that "Mental force is stronger than material and thought rules the world." Let us be careful then to use the power of thought to help not hurt. But better than all, let those who belfeve in prayer seek the blessing of God on Mr Savage and particularly that he be endowed with the spirit of wisdom so necessary in his exited office I myself voted and used my influence in the interest of the National candidate, but surely I will prove big enough and wise enough to say, "Now i Labour is in, give them a fair chance. Help them loyally. If they make good I their welcome back is sure at the end of three years."—Yours, etc., DOUGLAS B. MTJIR. Temuka, December 2, 1935.

TO THE EDITOa OP THE PBIS3. Sir,—Mr Savage talks too much to be a statesman. His remarks about a gradual reduction of the sales tax and the exchange will stop business. Importers will cancel orders for goods, and there will be a falling off in imports. This will increase unemployment. Those contemplating building will not be willing to proceed until they know where they will be as regards the sales tax. They will wait and see. This also will increase unemployment It is difficult to understand what benefits the Labour party hopes to get by controlling any bank, including a State bank. Other countries have done that, and it t proved a failure. Early in its history the United States went in for a Govern-ment-con trolled bank, and later got rid of it Of all the presidents America has had, few of them have been of outstanding ability. Most of them were what could he called cheapjacks. Some of them were even of doubtful honesty. Many of them used the Government-controlled bank to provide good, easy jobs for some of their supporters, and to make loans to their supporters, who never intended to repay them. As a result the management of the bank became inefficient and wasteful. One of the ablest presidents America has had took all Government business away from the United States Bank because he could get more efficient service at a lower cost from other banks. As for getting the co-operation of other banks, it all depends upon what is meant by co-operation. If the Labour party wants the banks to invest their customers' money in schemes that are foredoomed to failure, at their own risk, they certainly won't be willing to co-operate. If on the other band it will give the banks State security for financing the Government's schemes, Mr Savage will get all the co-operation he wants. The banks will, figuratively speaking, tumble over one another in their efforts to do Government business. Mr Savage should realise that the elections are over. His party has been elected to govern. There is no need now to continue using!fine-sounding but empty phrases.—Yours, etc., A.B. December 4, 1935.