Labour’s Record

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28805, 28 January 1959, Page 3

Labour’s Record

Sir, —Letters in this column indicate that we elect politicians who are not qualified for the duties they have to perform. Both Labour and National supporters appear to have this idea in the background of their views. This difficulty can only be remedied by choosing qualified candidates to represent us. At present, candidates contesting elections tell us what they intend to do. What is required is for the electorate to tell the candidates what they want done. Unfortunately, statistics reveal the mathematical fact that half New Zealand’s population has an intelligence quotient below average, This is firmly obvious when one reads some contributions to this column. Unfortunately, even an Act of Parliament cannot raise the I.Q. of the voters. Therefore, something must be wrong with our educational system. Today, the average voter should understand the economic, political, and social problems that affect New Zealand and the world at large.—Yours, etc, RALPH S. WHEELER. January 24, 1959.

Sir, —I can provide some facts about Richard John Seddon that R. Davis requires. A giant of great' heart and principle, a firm supporter of Queen and Empire, he was a true friend of the useful portion of society. His party was earlier dubbed Liberal-Labour, but he found that this title attracted quite a number of fellow travellers so he dropped the latter half. He was a forthright speaker and once stated that he scorned to buy the votes of “scoombe” with bribes. What he would have said of Labour’s record on conscription can be imagined.— Yours, etc., KING DICK. January 25, 1959.