The Economy

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31304, 25 February 1967, Page 12

The Economy

Sir,—ln trying to reconcile the irreconcilable—the Govern ment's measures In relation to subsidy-lifting and disproportionate price rises one is forced to view the situation as tragically Gilbertian. In an epoch of industrial mechanisation, scientific application to agriculture and exports at peak level, the political oligarchy deems it essential to usher in a period of austerity for those least able to stand it The rising costs mean

little to those on the “receiving end” of the business—trades people, high-salaried Individuals and monopolistic concerns which view with approval the policy of “greasing the fat pig.” The Consumer Council’s decision to dissociate itself from recognition of persons desirous of doing something about the problems is the week’s anticlimax, but enlightening.— Yours, etc.

D. H. C. February 24, 1967. Sir,—Lynda Roberts approves the Government’s discontinuing school milk because, she maintains, many children do not like milk. I would like to ask whether, on the same grounds, she would advocate the discontinuance of smallpox vaccination, polio inoculation, and dental care. I presume she would, by the same token, remove all tax from beer; in fact, she would probably put a subsidy on it —Yours, etc, F.G. February 22, 1967.

Sir,—The measures taken to balance the economy have been made necessary through the activities of the Federation of Labour, whose leaders have abused their position by exploiting the workers to enhance their own prestige. Having brought about the present situation through strikes, wage claims, and the like, this organisation now has the audacity to pin the blame on the Prime Minister, a man of the highest integrity whose efforts are and have been solely on behalf of New Zealand. The Leader of the Opposition has made it quite clear that he intends supporting his friends in the campaign now being prepared to destroy the present Government, and if the average New Zealander prefers such men to run their country they have only to obey orders and they will then get the Government they deserve.— Yours, etc, FAIR PLAY.

February 24, 1967. Sir,—l fully understand “A Teen-age Who Knows” and think the means test should be used regarding the child allowance. There are large numbers of mothers who really need it, but those who have large incomes should be ashamed to hold their hands out for the money. Good luck to the pensioners who could get a little, especially those who are unable to earn anything. As for the unmarried mothers, I am disgusted at their boldness. A young unmarried person I know told me she had met a person in the maternity home who proudly told her that she was having her third child. There are far too many like her being kept at Government expense. The fathers of these illegitimate infants should be made to support mother and babe. What a saving this would be for the Social Security Department. The money could be used for more worthy causes.—Yours, etc, EX-RESIDENT. February 22, 1967.