The Economy

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29801, 18 April 1962, Page 8

The Economy

Sir,—“Forward with National” is incorrect Admittedly, Labour imposed a “vteiousf!)” tax on beer, tobacco, and petrol to help pay for the men National left To do this they had the courage to risk political suicide with their eyes open. To get revenue will National remove subsidies (£3,253.000 on flour alone)? Or change for prescriptions? Or levy on wealth? Does he think they will risk political suicide as Labour did? Frankly, I think they will not risk hara-kiri but are heading for political execution. Under Labour again income-tax rates (for incomes up to £1124, at least) were lowest since the war even those before National raised initial tax rate from 2s 6d to 3s in the £ in 1954. If “Forward with National” is confusing socialism with totalitarianism then he should cease talking of the socialisation of production, distribution and exchange.— Yours, etc., A. F. PALMER. Waimate, April 16, 1962.

Sir,—To “Blood pressure." I can take it and I could give it if I were allowed by the editor. Freedom of the press. What a joke! In 192830 I was Westport branch correspondent of the A.SH.S "Railway Review.” I was asked by the Railway Department to show cause why my services should not be dispensed with because of “my criticism of the (then Tory) Government.” Laugh that one off! Another weird effusion from “Forward With National,” whose obsession is socialisation. I heard that parrot cry 50 years ago in Scotland. At last “Far Back Dan” comes into his own. He is eulogised by “B. Constant.” I hope he is duly elated. Lest we forget, but it gets rather monotonous, Mr Holyoake said “I pledge my solemn word immediately we become the Government, taxation will be reduced.” On occasion he inserted, “Given favourable circumstances," depended on his audience.— Yours, etc., TOM BRYCE. April 14, 1962.

Sir, —Under National, borrow. boom, bust; under Labour, borrow, tax, boom, and bust.—Yours, etc.. BY THE WAYSIDE. April 14, 1962.

Sir,—The National Party accused the Labour Party of making hand-outs while it was in office, but since it has been in office it has given hand-outs to its friends, the farmers. It gave them reductions in death duties and drought and flood relief payments and now it is going to give them a quarter of a million pounds for treep'.anting. If they really ha”F that much to waste why don't they help the Drainage