“TIME FOR A CHANGE”

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29367, 21 November 1960, Page 12

“TIME FOR A CHANGE”

By its promises before the 1957 election, and its subsequent actions, the Labour Party has forfeited any right to a further term as the Government. Should they be returned to govern, we can expect an intensification of the socialistic legislation of their last year, together with an upsurge in taxation because their reckless schemes must be paid for, if not from direct taxation, then from indirect.

It is time for a change in the Timaru electorate, which has missed out of many things these last three years, because it was regarded as a safe Labour seat. I ask for your support so that a National member can show what he can accomplish for this electorate. Unless we have vigorous and energetic representation we shall be left to our own devices as in the past. The situation with regard to the retailing of electricity in the electorate, has drifted over the last three years, and now requires firm action one way or the other, to remove an ever-growing anomaly. The National Party places before the electors a sound, progressive and constructive policy, which will give incentives to all our people. With the return of a National Government. Socialistic controls and directions will be removed, and our competitive private enterprise economy will be free once more, free to surge forward in a great production drive, which will provide work and oportunity for our young people, with higher living standards for us all. A socialistic Labour Government will never bring out the best in our private enterprise system. Their controls, straitjackets, shackles and heavy taxation policy stultify enterprise and slow down our whole economy.

Labour speakers have been strenuouosly endeavouring to excuse the harsh and savage taxation increases of 1958. Their excuses scarcely ring true, especially when it was possible to relax the screw somewhat the following year. It is fair to say that a National Government favours low taxation, while a Labour Government favours high taxation to pay for its lavish expenditure.

While there are similarities in parts of policy, there are fundamental and basic differences between the Labour Party and the National Party in their approach to government. I am confident that at this election the electors will place in office a National Government. How fine it would be if the Timaru electors should place in that team a member.