Import Controls

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28489, 20 January 1958, Page 3

Import Controls

Sir, —The basic cause of import controls is our excessive expenditure on war preparations now, the direct effect of World War 11, plus the coast of numerous filibustering expeditions such as Malaya. We cannot expect our incompetent politicians to tell us the truth. All they are concerned with is votes. Both National and Labour politicians require these in increasing numbers. I have read the nonsense about the Soviets by Mr George Kennan Sir Leslie Munro entertains us with “Spatial Control.” So much for our diplomats who are supposed to promote world peace. If the voters are in favour of the

squandering of their hard-earned taxes salting the tails of Malayan bandits. South Pole sorties, along with anti-Communist poppycock, they deserve what they receive. Since 1936, Britain has successfully financed overseas financial deficits. Last year’s deficit was £620,000,000. Well could our Prime Minister seek advice from Mr Harold Macmillan.—Yours, etc., RALPH S. WHEELER. Timaru, January 18, 1958.

Sir, —If New Zealand’s overseas funds have declined to such a low level, then it is only fair and right that import controls be introduced, thus raising our overseas funds to a proper, safe level. During the war people never complained about shortage, but accepted it as being a consequence of war. So why belly-ache? .Import controls are all for the good of New Zealand. Would people sooner see New Zealand go bankrupt than go short for a time? Those who would want the former, by complaining and trying to avoid controls, are unforgivably selfish and are not worthy to be called a citizen. Those who oppose import controls should ponder this, and may see differently.—Yours, etc., A.M. January 18, 1958.

Sir, —Elizabeth Macfarlane, with some irrelevancy, resurrects the depression, informs the ignorant of Labour’s part, her husband’s, and her own, and gives this team of heroic hobby-horses an adoring pat on the rump. All people of any other faith, it seems, did nothing but cry. Do some correspondents so underestimate the intelligence of those who do not throw their weight about? It is one of the strange phenomena of today that so many people are cockeyed. And it is a fact worth recording that, imports or ho imports, none of Labour’s leaders appears to have a clue to the real needs of humanity. To gain power, they have built up a philosophy of gross materialism, based on punnitive man’s needs and animal appetites. The welfare State, with idealism, could have been a splendid thing. As it is now, it is a pathway to decadence.—Yours, etc.,

HOSTILE HENRY. January 18, 1958.

Sir,—My heart just bleeds for “English Housewife.” For her information, it was a Labour government that sent foodstuffs from here to her country in war-time She has the remedy in her own hands. A fast boat or plane will soon take her back to England. Yes, I walk, and far at that, in New Zealand shoes, and still remain—Yours, etc., CONTENTED HOUSEWIFE. January 17, 1958.

Sir,—“Uncalled-for Trouble” says the Tory government “did put us in this mess.” If the government is in such a mess, why did Mr Nash give away the £lOO rebate on income tax and add another 5s a week to the child allowance? Who can prove how much the children get and how much the tote and publicans get of the 15s unless coupons are issued specifically for children’s food or clothes? How much sympathy has Mr Nash for his fellowEnglishmen when he has cut off so many of their exports? Under the National Government the wheels of the country have been running smoothly, full and plenty, and no strikes. It was not Socialist governments that made New Zealand what it is today.—Yours, etc., GOOD OLD NATIONALS. January 15, 1958.

Sir,—The letters of “Contended Housewife” and “Take It” are typical, of the callous disregard of our Socialists to the fate of people who lose their business or their jobs to satisfy their lust for power over everybody and everything. Import controls were imposed in 1938 and kept on to 1949, with, in consequence, unnecessary shortages, black markets, and other ills. lam not an importer who has made a lot of money at the expense of people who take their coats off. On the contrary I am one of many who has and will all my life pay the price for having -really done something towards saving this country, not just talked about it. As for depression days. I had my share, and it could be that I would prefer a few hardships and still have my freedom.—Yours, etc., INTERESTED. January 18, 1958.

Sir, —I have read with interest the various articles on import control by Mr J. T. Watts, Mr Halstead, and Mr McAlpine; also the numerous letters from correspondents. There is one point that noone has mentioned, and I wondered if one of the members mentioned would be courteous enough to explain what steps the National Government would have taken to restore overseas funds had it been returned to office. An explanation might be helpful to all concerned and the matter is of concern to all the community, or should be. It is also a matter of concern that greedy Individuals

should create unnecessary shortages by buying gobds in excess of their normal requirements.— Yours, etc., INTERESTED 11. January 18, 1958.