The By-elections

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31344, 14 April 1967, Page 12

The By-elections

No letters on political subjects will be printed tomorrow, polling day in the Fendalton and Petone by-elec-tions.

Sir,—ln my earlier letter 1 stated that the majority of New Zealanders do not agree with Mr Kirk’s policy, which is quite true, in spite of Mr Bryson’s claim that “the National Party got in on the Social Credit vote.” If so, could he explain why Mr Cracknell supplanted Mr Sloane, the National member for Hobson? Where are Mr Bryson’s facts and figures that can support his statement? Mere opinion does not carry any weight. In my previous letter I wanted to know where Mr Kirk could get access to the money he desires to carry out his extravagant promises. I still have not received a satisfactory explanation. If Mr Kirk’s promises are as “honest and sensible” as Mr Bryson claims, why did he not win the last election? How can there be any comparison between Mr Kirk and Mr Savage, when Mr Kirk makes no effort to discourage the stop-work strikes by the Federation of Labour?—Yours, etc., ALAN KENNEDY. April 12, 1967.

Sir, —Our economic difficulties largely psychological and Mr Holyoake’s measures largely imaginary? “Elector” must be joking. At any rate he is talking rot. Does it matter that costs overseas are higher than here? Why on earth should we resign ourselves to higher costs “simply because.” We have a right to complain, and “Elector’s” last sentence is entirely irrelevant.—Yours, etc., B.D. April 13, 1967. Sir, —“Elector” says "Mr Barclay is speaking “drivel” and “deceiving the people” in saying the economy of the country is far from what it should be. Apart from the crude impoliteness of this remark, it is obvious that “Elector” has not consulted reputable economic opinion, because this is almost unanimous in stating that the economy is in a bad way. Indeed, the Government itself gives adverse economic conditions as an excuse for its frontal assault on the purchasing power of the people. And permanent heads of the Government’s own departments of State have, at the Government’s instigation, advised their officers that “New Zealand’s economic condition is serious” in such strong terms as “substantial deterioration” and “stress . . the seriousness of the situation.” It is to be hoped that any subsequent letter from “Elector” is less emotional and more intelligent.—Yours, etc., PAULUS. April 13, 1967.