OVERSEAS VIEWS ON N.Z. POLL

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28450, 3 December 1957, Page 15

OVERSEAS VIEWS ON N.Z. POLL

(Rec. 7 p.m;) LONDON, December 2. “The Times” said in a leading article today that the New Zealand Labour Party’s election victory was the result of the party’s offers of more welfare facilities. “The Times” said: “It is interesting to speculate whether New Zealand results reflect now, as they have in the past, any tendencies in Australia. But though in many ways the outlook of the two countries must always be similar, Mr Nash has managed to keep his party free of the feuds that have bedevilled Australian Labour.”

“The Times” also said: "Industrialisation (in New Zealand] must be paid for by exports, but the outlook for the export market has been causing uneasiness. The prices of dairy produce have been falling, and with or without the [European] free trade area the prospect is of greater competition in Europe, New Zealand’s main market.

“Whoever governs in New Zealand will have to look beyond the ( traditional markets—the present , visit of Mr Kishi, Prime Minister of Japan, is an indication of one obvious line of inquiry. “They also have to deal with , inflationary symptoms which Labour’s general policies seem likely to aggravate. But when all is said and done the economic situation remains quite healthy enough to afford a swing of the political pendulum.” The “Manchester Guardian” said that New Zealand was a great food-producing country which need never fear hardships which a world slump could inflict on countries like Britain. Importing Ability “But her ability to import the many consumer and capital goods she needs depends almost entirely on the prices which European countries, especially Britain, are prepared to pay for her butter, cheese, meat, and wool: and there is nothing she can do about it immediately if those prices are low. “Her position is crucially different from that of Australia, who achieved an industrial revdfution of such magnitude that in the coming years she can face with comparative equanimity certain heavy losses of revenue from primary products after a drought which even 20 years ago could have had disastrous effects.” The "Manchester Guardian” said: “Labour’s pleasure at winning the New Zealand General Election must be tempered with anxiety about both the political and economic prospects. A probable effective majority of one,

after electing a Speaker, may mean a daily peril in the House against a younger, more agile front bench led by a former Prime Minister of Mr Holyoake’s ability and experience. “Much more serious, however, is the economic position which the new Government has to face. One cannot doubt that Mr Nash will take the steps he considers in his country’s interest without thinking too much about popularity. “But it does seem a pity that the younger Mr Holyoake should have to go into opposition when his zest and wide knowledge of the modern world might have been so valuable to the Government.”

“Little Difference’’ 1 The “Scotsman” said in a lead- i ing article that it was not likely i that a change of Government 1 would make much difference to New Zealand. “Labour exhausted its reforming impetus when it was in office before 1949, and its leader. Mr Walter Nash, is too ’ old to be adventurous. “Mr Holyoake’s short tenure of ' the Premiership may be regretted. as he showed energy and ' understanding of New Zealand’s • economic problems which are not ' inconsiderable in spite of full 1 employment, short hours, and unprecedented prosperity.” The British Labour Party "is delighted at the success of our friends in New Zealand." the secretary (Mr Morgan Phillips) said yesterday. ‘‘We are looking forward to joining the family of Labour Governments in the near future.” The people of New Zealand had returned Labour to power “after an election campaign which closely resembled an auction sale and was concerned hardly at all with political principle.” says the “Sydney Morning Herald.” Personal Triumph The poll verdict was a striking personal triumph for Mr Nash who. at 75. is as alert and vigor-) ous as most men at least a decade younger. "It has taken eight years to dull the memory of the less agreeable features of Labour rule between 1935 and 1949.” the "Sydney Morning Herald” said. The Labour Party proposals must involve at least £29.000.000 extra spending by the Government. "If Mr Nash runs true to form New Zealand looks to be in for another round of higher taxation inflationary financing, and more stringent State control of the eco- j nomy,” the newspaper said. * The return of Mr Nash at the l head of a Labour Party majority. "crowns a career of life-long service to the Labour movement." the I Melbourne “Age" said in its “News i of the Day" column. I Mr Nash’s achievements marked • him as worthy of the Prime . Ministership.

“Mr Walter Nash was the man who brought the New Zealand £ back to parity with sterling,” said the “Age.” “He seems to think in figures as other men think in words. He is a man who does not make enemies and a devout churchman, and he is greatly respected ” the newspaper said. The Melbourne “Herald” said today: “New Zealanders have shown faith in the Labour Party’s promises of increaseo Welfare State benefits. Labour’s promise to remit the first £lOO of income tax due next February must have been irresistible to many voters. “It is surely one of the greatest baits of all time. In the present state of Australian politics, a point that will be most noted here is that the Labour Party, when united, is still a potent force capable of winning back its public prestige.

“Labour here shows no sign yet of patching up its internal quarrels in time to face the next Federal Election.” Leader’s Message The Australian Labour Opposition Leader (Dr. Herbert Evatt) in a congratulatory message cabled to Mr ‘Nash, said: “The Australian Labour Party sincerely hopes that you have a most fruitful time in office and are able to restore Labour to the situation existing before 1949. “The international situation is most serious and I am confident that the Labour Parties of New Zealand, Britain and Australia will co-operate most closely and help to bring about a new period of peace and international understanding.” Commenting on the election result, Dr. Evatt said that the success of Labour would strengthen the decisions on Commonwealth co-operation made at the British Commonwealth Labour conference at Dorking, England. in June.

“in due course, the return of Labour Governments in Britain and Australia will enable the British Commonwealth to obtain more unanimity on foreign policy," he said. The Deputy-Leader of the Australian Labour Parliamentary Party (Mr Arthur Calwell) said at Melbourne that the New Zealand election results showed that the tide of reaction is turning. “Next year will see a Labour victory in Britain, and then it will be Australia’s turn,” he said. He said that the Labour victory in New Zealand would give great encouragement to Labour supporters in Australia.