By-election Results Will Not Deter Govt.

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31347, 18 April 1967, Page 1

By-election Results Will Not Deter Govt.

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, April 17.

The Acting-Prime Minister (Mr Marshall) tonight said that the swing against the Government in Saturday’s by-elections would not deter it from “doing its duty” in steering the economy through the present difficulties.

He said that the Government was “naturally concerned” at the response of the electors of Petone and Fendalton to the Government’s economic policies. “On past experience we knew that the majority of electors did not react favourably to the increasing of charges, the reduction of Government expenditure and the removal of subsidies, the cutting of import licences and other economic measures which the Government has taken.

“We expected some adverse reaction but not to the extent shown in Fendalton. Question Asked “The question has been asked whether this will affect the carrying out of the Government’s economic policies. “The answer is that the Government has undertaken corrective economic measures

because they are essential, not because they are popular, and we will continue to take appropriate measures to protect New Zealand’s economic wellbeing,” Mr Marshall said. “The swing against the

Government in Saturday’s byelections will not deter it from doing its duty, as it sees it, to the people of New Ze; 'and, in steering the economy through the present difficulties. “Essential, equitable economic measures in which some sacrifice is called for from all sections of the community will be continued,” said Mr Marshall.