British Defence Budget

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28823, 18 February 1959, Page 9

British Defence Budget

Sir, —A recent broadcaster in the weekly YA station’s “Lookout” series on world affairs was very definite in opinion that the United States economy generally was keyed to the defence programme and any drastic curtailment of this would bring economic chaos there. Similar curtailment in a lesser way would affect the British economy. Vested interests (including careerists in the forces) directly or indirectly will influence government policies, and those with a keen eye to financial investments require a continued state of tension in the world, the bogies for the purpose always the Soviet Union and People’s China. This will go on, with the inevitable rises in taxation and cost of living, until public opinion demands a change or nuclear war destroys our faulty civilisation.—Yours, etc., A.H.S.H. February 16, 1959.

Sir, —L. C. Walker writes of the appalling insanity which dominates the so-called wise nations. So many persons are kept so busy all day, all the year round, except for recreation periods and holidays, that they appear unable to consider the position of New Zealand in the’ world as of personal concern. Even in matters which seriously concern our city and local affairs now and in future, there are many whose slogan seems to be, “Nothing can be done about it.’’ So deterioration in certain directions which do not create peace and harmony, but disturbance and damage to health continue. L. C. Walker is an idealist whose efforts might assist Christchurch if heeded. Ideas for many improvements in the use of material locally procurable, and now-a brilliant one for peaceful production of necessary sea food for goodwill and survival are offered. Why not accept?—Yours, etc., GENEROSITY. February 17, 1959.