The Economy

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30856, 15 September 1965, Page 16

The Economy

Sir, “Anti - Humbug” should sign himself “ProHumbug.” His political reminiscences savour of propaganda rather than a logical outlook. Labour’s so-called “Black Budget” of 1958 was wholeheartedly endorsed by the National Government, and since copied by Australia and Britain. Also, to the credit of the previous Labour Government, several big loans and interest were repaid, whereas our present Nationalist Government continues to borrow big sums of money which now necessitates having to borrow money to pay interest. Where will it all end? Never has the economy been so jittery or unpredictable. The Labour Government left no financial mess in 1960. The National Government took £3 million of the surplus and promptly handed it to the dairy farmers to save face after talking of Labour’s deficit. We are at the crossroads of our self-governing Dominion.—Yours, etc., THE ECONOMY. September 11, 1965. Sir, —It is useless trying to debate by correspondence with “Disillusioned Nationalist” who largely ignores points scored against him. He shifts to irrelevancies such as Australia, pressure from World Bank, unemployment, etc., which have no application to New Zealand. 1 joined issue mainly to show up his nom-de-plume. I feel 1 have done that. In my callow youth before I learned better sense, I cast my first vote for Labour, so perhaps I could call myself “Disillusioned Labourite.” I have neither time nor inclination to stray into the irrelevant paths of “Disillusioned Nationalist” and I leave the last word to him.—Yours, etc., ANTI-HUMBUG. September 13, 1965.