“PARTIES POLES APART”

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28446, 28 November 1957, Page 16

“PARTIES POLES APART”

Mr Watts Speaks At Fendalton

‘lt has been said that nothing of transcending importance faces the electors in this campaign. Although no single issue has claimed special attention, there is a danger in complacency," said Mr J. T. Watts (National, Fendalton) addressing about 150 electors in the Fendalton Hall last evening. “We are nearing the end of a campaign in which there has not been a great deal of fireworks, but there has been a great deal of keen and intelligent interest, no bitterness, few personalities, and mostly questions which have been worth while. It is vital that it should be so," Mr Watts said. “There is an atmosphere of prosperity and contentment. People say there is little to choose between the policies of the two main parties.

“But these two parties are poles apart in the principles, and methods by which they would administer their policies,” Mr Watts said.

The National Government had given a better balance to the economy, provided opportunities for everyone, and seen that vacancies were filled in all essential services. It had a steadily-develop-ing.economy—not one of fits and starts—and it had managed to achieve this without excessive controls. There was a reasonable degree of stability in the price structure and there had been sympathetic and generous treatment of the aged and infirm. “We have governed with justice, firmness, and fairness based on private enterprise and fair competition,” Mr Watts said. “We are proud of our record and our methods are known. “But what are Mr Nash's methods?" asked Mr Watts. “1 say that his main aim is to get into power at any price. That is not a policy. Neither is there the co-ordination, coherence, or drive in his party to govern this country. He says ‘We do not want inflation’ and then makes all his promises. He says ‘We need a strong defence force’ and then says he will abolish compulsory military training. He says ‘We will increase saving’ and then proposes to reduce the interest rate.

“Mr Nash is trying to carry his whole party on his shoulders,” said Mr Watts. “He was here last night and has five meetings in Auckland today. He is talking so much, but it is difficult to find his policy because it is so hedged round with ifs and buts, and provisos. Anyone could agree with much of Mr Nash’s words as desirable objectives; but in very very few does he suggest how they will be achieved except that he will ‘find a way’.”