General Election

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33062, 1 November 1972, Page 16

General Election

Sir, —Last week Sir Philip Baxter predicted for the world "widespread famine . . . and a major breakdown of the social order.” Mr Marshall gave no sign of passionate concern about such things in his speech, and yet a National Party advertisement describes him as “a statesman of world stature.” Statesmen concern themselves about the future of humanity which, indeed, now hangs in the balance. But when one considers Mr Marshall’s repetition of his claim that a majority support his party’s lack of stand on the moral issue of South African policies, one wonders whether securing a majority in the election has not become more important to him than pushing for those enlightened stands on large issues which should concern “a statesman of world stature.” — Yours, etc., MARK D. SADLER. October 31, 1972.

Sir,—Last night the Prime Minister stressed two points in the National Party programme. One was "property” and the other was "private enterprise.” Of course every one would like to own property, but the trouble with the ownership of property is that it accumulates in the hands of a minority and the less fortunate majority have high mortgages to meet and they have to pay rents. So the rich become richer and the poor become poorer. It would be far better to nationalise the land and do away with property, except for personal needs. Regarding private enterprise, I like the Chinese method, where the motto, “Serve the People,” is uppermost in their minds.—Yours, etc., P.J.A. October 31, 1972.