Defending Freedom

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30289, 15 November 1963, Page 24

Defending Freedom

—D. J. Patchett (National) The National Party has invited me to be its candidate far Christchurch central this election. In seeking my electorate’s support, it is fair that electors should know about me: David Patohett. married, with two young children. I am 28 years of age and operate a selfcreated tourist business designed to attract tourists, principally sportsmen, hunters and outdoor lovers to this beautiful country. Like many of you,' I was born and educated in Christchurch. I aim not promising you the moon. Please tell me what your needs are in the electorate itself. Tell me of your problems: housing, education, maintenance, welfare., children, the sick and the aged, or whatever problem you consider paramount. This part is over to you, the people of the Christchurch Central electorate. I am glad to be associated with the National Party; yet. even in this great party of individual freedom, progress and prosperity, there is scope for flexibility. Freedom is the essence of life to me and, I expert, to most people at heart. It is right, indeed it is vital, that the mental, spiritual, material, rational democracy be maintained. But regard these as a spring-board to greater freedom. New Zealand is so richly endowed physically and climatically and is a lap ahead of most countries. Many of the serious and tense problems of other countries 'have already been solved here. There are no empty stomachs in our land. Enthusiasm Lacking

It seems we lack that intangible quality, enthusiasm. Enthusiasm should not end at the race track, the football field or at six o'clock. These appear to be most people’s emotional outlets. Would you say the average Kiwi looks happy? This virile race, this New Zealand, has already given much to the world for a small country; but while we are preoccupied with what must appear parish politics to a greater world, we are letting great material progress and wealth, if we must insist on more wealth, slip by. Tourism has not been scratched if one visualises the wealth that is being diverted from this country by the shrewd Swiss who invite, and welcome and gladly assist the tourist. Our near neighbours, the Japanese, are also on the ball. There are millions to be harvested from tourism, rich rewards for this country materially, mentally and spiritually. There is a lot we could do for our country instead of expecting cur country to do things for us. Because of apathy, have you noticed how many Communists have appeared at the pools in this election? Where do they ccme from? They come from around about you. They have attracted young people from universities. True, they may be a splinter group; but they are here, always busy, ever active, but determined to undermine the freedom that we take so lightly.

New Zealand breeds no millionaires and yet is a prosperous country. Who supplies the money for the thousands of young New Zealanders travelling all over the globe, seeking not only material or physical changes but new frontiers of the mind? They earn their fares in New Zealand which, some say. has a cost-of-living problem.