“NO LEAD IS GIVEN”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29444, 21 February 1961, Page 14

“NO LEAD IS GIVEN”

Social Credit View

(N.Z. Pres* Association) WELLINGTON. Feb. 20.

“We are pricing ourselves off the overseas markets, with our high cost structure and our dangerously high taxation, and yet the Prime Minister gives a ‘state-of-the-nation’ speech which is only a review. with no concrete proposals for solution," said the president of the Social Credit League (Miss M. H. King) tonight “It is apparent that in a world of increasing competition. it is vital we reduce our internal costs to hold our overseas trading position. That is basic to the whole economy of New Zealand.” said Miss King. “The most immediate and effective method is by a reduction in taxation. This would not only materially reduce our internal coSts but would also provide the greatest incentive to produce more.

“Only Generalities” “Mr Holyoake has offered nothing more than generalities and a statement that decisions will be announced from time to time. What decisions? Just what incentives is- the National Government going to give the farmers and other producers to increase production 214 per cent, in the next 12 months? Just how is he going to promote overseas trade? How is he going to reduce Government spending? How is he going to reduce costs when he says he is going to increase borrowing? “Never has the opportunity been greater to tackle with courage and honesty the basic ills which have placed us where we are,” said Miss King. “We have always thought Mr Holyoake was a reluctant reformer, even after his preelection promises of monetary reform. But we didn’t quite realise just how reluctant he would be. “After all, he exhorted those who were thinking of voting Social Credit, to vote National and said they would be voting for their own policy. His address tonight shows just how unaware he is of the basic principles and methods he capitalised on to gain votes. Taxation “Mr Holyoake has even gone so far as to say he will not increase taxation, whereas before the election he was pledged to reduce taxes. “Where do we go from here? Where does the farmer go, or the factory worker, or the businessman? It is quite apparent that no lead has been given, no incentive, no clear understanding of what is required or what the Government will do. “It is equally apparent that neither Mr Holyoake nor his party knows just how to set about in practical terms to ■stop the run downhill. “May‘l close with a question to Mr Holyoake: why didn't he announce in firm and practical terms just how and to what extent he would rfeduce death duties, and so provide a relatively cheap but important incentive to the increased production we are all anxious to achieve?”