General Election

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33068, 8 November 1972, Page 16

General Election

Sir, —I was impressed by Ken Coates’s article on Mr H. Alex Clark, the Labour candidate for Rakaia, in your issue of November 4. It v, us a lucid and informative article, but unfortunately contained a spelling error which was repeated throughout. Mr Clark’s name should be spelt without an e.— Yours, etc., R. P. POTTINGER, Chairman, Selwyn branch, N.Z. Labour Party. November 7, 1972.

Sir,—Regarding Mr Muldoon’s remarks to the Rifle Brigade Association, I would quote the late Mr John Foster Dulles in Felix Greene’s most enlightening book on Anglo-American imperialism, “The Enemy”: “There are two ways of conquering a foreign nation. One is to gain control of its people by force of arms; the other is to gain control of its economy by financial means.” Hence, after a sufficiently historical developmental period as our country is passed, sold, and leased to foreign powers, the next generation will repossess New Zealand exactly as the Cubans, Vietnamese, Africans, and others are repossessing their countries, sold out by pseudo-patriots. When will New Zealanders take Judas by the throat?— Yours, etc., W. J. COLLINS. November 6, 1972.

Sir, —If Labour wins the election things will remain much the same for those who spend too much of their earnings in pubs and on the racecourse. It lies with the individual to a greater extent than to the Government as to whether progress is made. I notice neither party advocates a little more restraint on unfruitful desires that are expensive and bring no I satisfaction. For those who ■ have eyes to see, look around and observe the prosperity of the brewers and how they are able to buy up so many hotels. My memory goes back 80 years and it has been the steady honest trier who has won a place of respect, if not

financial success, in the community.—Yours, etc., E.R. November 7, 1972. Sir, —Mr Muldoon has sour hate for Communists. So did Hitler, but the Russians saved the world. So did McCarthy, and see what a mockery was made in the United States of liberty at that time when the question, “Are you a Communist?” was being asked in the land where liberty was obtained from the British by force of arms. Now the Chinese, by their puritanical mode of living, are held up as being evil. At least they gave $lOO,OOO to the Fiji hurricane relief. Does this seem to be the action of the dark forces of Satan? The Chinese know that revolution is the main trend in the world today, so the Muldoons can just fade away.—Yours, etc., P.J.A. November 7, 1972.

Sir, —I do not for one moment believe that the St John of God Brothers are not doing a very worth-while job. I do, however, resent most strongly any suggestion of political blackmail, and it would appear that they are the innocent victims being used for this purpose. The Government should not be expected to make instant decisions on the use of the taxpayers’ money. They have rightly taken over where the Australian sponsors have failed, I might add, at very short notice, and have carried the home on, pending a proper inquiry. This can hardly be conducted in the present irrational pre-election environment. I am quite convinced that the worthy Brothers will receive justice from National, but it would be better if the ranting was stopped, so that wiser counsels can prevail.—Yours, etc., AGRA. November 7, 1972.

Sir,—-The grant of $lO,OOO to Marylands will only keep the home open, and not be of any help regarding the maintenance required. The procrastination by the Government over the last 16 years and reported insulting remarks by Cabinet Ministers give the impression that the country is overdue for a change. One National Party candidate suggested the use of disused Forestry Service huts for the boys. What an insult! Being a Protestant with a boy at Marylands, I know the good Christian work the Brothers are doing, when the State system has failed.—Yours, etc., PARENT. November 7, 1972.

Sir,-—On television last night, Mr Muldoon spoke of the “SJ” years improvement in overseas reserves since he became Minister of Finance as if it were due to his efforts. Maybe, but it was chiefly due to rising prices for primary produce in inflated currency. His manner was apologetic regarding “having had” to follow the British Labour Government into a 25 per cent devaluation, but it was this which promoted our export increase of manufactured goods. In Auckland on July 23 he was claiming credit for that increase. Perhaps we should thank Harold Wilson, not Mr Muldoon. Next day he was saying that, though we buy less from Britain than we sell there, when “invisibles” are added to trade, the net balance in Britain’s favour is over sloom a year. What electors should know is how, in view of Britain’s entry to the E.E.C., will this continuing imbalance be dealt with, and what are Mr Muldoon’s proposals for positioning the present reserves. —Yours, etc., A. B. CEDARIAN. November 7, 1972.