The anti Muldoon campaign

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33985, 28 October 1975, Page 16

The anti Muldoon campaign

Sir. — What a flutter in the National dovecotes the Citizens for Rowling Campaign has caused. What a ruffling of feathers. Do I detect an element of panic in their indignation? Your correspondent, M. Greene, bases his letter on false premises. This campaign is independent of Labour’s official campaign. One correspondent is obviously annoyed about the extra pensions to be paid to the elderly. The other correspondents take the opportunity to trot out their wellworn arguments. But can any of them deny that Mr Muldoon has set the standard for this election by his intrusion of personalities, often [insulting, in his speeches? Can any of them deny that by his acknowledged confrontation policy in matters industrial, he runs the risk of setting the whole industrial movement alight if he should become Prime Minister? Finally, would anyone class Sir I Edmund Hillary as a holier-than-thou intellectual? —

Yours, etc., T. R. RICHARDS. October 25, 1975.

Sir, — What an embarrassment David Exel and hisbunch must be to all fairminded Labour supporters. Mr Exel says he does not like what is happening to New Zealand and we would

all agree with that. But look who has been trying to govern our country in the last three years. Do not blame the Leader of the Opposition. The blame for the mess can be fairly laid at the feet of an incompetent Labour Government. Both inside and outside the House it is sheer disaster. If Mr Exel is talking of mud slinging, just let him look at the last Labour Party Conference or listen to Mr Bassett and Mr Tizard in the House. Having failed with policies they now' tum to personalities. Labour’s slogan should be “Bankrupt with Bill.” — Yours, etc., M. GRAHAM. October 24, 1975.

Sir, — Thanks to those concerned citizens who have publicly declared themselves to be Rowling supporters for our country’s good. Those who fear Mr Muldoon’s leadership for New Zealand are not against him as a person, but feel that wisdom lies in choosing the more moderate and thoughtful Mr Rowling. The respect I had for Mr Marshal as National Party leader I cannot give to Mr Muldoon. — Yours, etc., N. BECK. October 26, 1975.

Sir, — I cannot understand the mentality of such highly educated people as those who have formed the Citizens for Rowling Campaign. In my opinion they are only damaging their own personal images by openly criticising a man who has the dynamic personality and understanding of human needs possessed by Mr Muldoon. I think it is shocking that a bishop, considering his position in the Church and his knowledge of Christianity, can come forward and run down our future Prime Minister. Surely New Zealanders can see through this ridiculous campaign and look forward to a future of National Government and stability. — Yours, etc..

CAROL AITKEN. October 24, 1975.

Sir, — The childish furore demonstrated by Muldoon’s idolaters in reaction to the Citizens for Rowling Campaign reveals hysteria among their ranks in place of reasoned thinking. After all, Muldoon has simply been hoist with his own petard. —Yours, etc.. JAMES J. DUNCAN. October 27, 1975.

Sir, — The latest “Save Rowling” campaign is basically an attempt to divert the

public from its primary task of recording an opinion on the last three years of Labour Government in favour of a superior but vicious “Get Muldoon” racket. Politics, in the main, involves the reconciliation of competing selfishness, so it is often hot and even dirty work in the engine room. But the ship of State will not move without it, or those prepared to sign on as members of the crew. The key issue in the coming election is the state of the economy. Always a reluctant Minister of Finance, Mr Rowling was understandably haunted by the fate of Mr Nordmeyer, but he is responsible, nevertheless, and iculpable. Our task in November is to express our opinion and, if needs be, to pour cold water over the people with weak nerves who preach the doctrines of hellfire and damnation. — Yours, etc, J. B. BRUERTON. October 25, 1975. Sir. — Many people have recently written to this newspaper claiming they now support National instead of Labour since the introduction of the Citizens for Rowling Campaign. This is a very narrow' attitude, and is deliberate misinterpretation of the facts. The Citizens for Rowling have made it clear that they support a political style and not the Labour Party. (Which is more than can be said for the “People for Muldoon” campaign). The Citizens for Rowling merely support a style adopted by such politicians as Mr Marshall, Mr Rowling, and Mr Kirk — all low-key, very capable politicians, not outspoken, bombastic people of Mr Muldoon’s calibre. — Yours, etc., L. J. LEPPER. October 25, 1975. Sir. — It is difficult to understand clergymen, dedicated to church service and supported by Christians with differing political persuasions from their own, using their position to demolish the very Christian freedoms we are seeking to preserve. Aligning themselves with Citizens for Rowling campaigners they are supporting a Government whose anti-Christian socialisation policies are leading us to an unwitting loss of those freedoms. An Anglican for 48 years, I have a compelling motivation to express concern, particularly for young people who, through no fault of their own will be worst affected. Attacking the leader is a very subtle attack on the party. Mr Muldoon’s indisputable leadership has given us a confident team with courage to speak out on destructive issues and offer sound policies framed on National’s basic Christian policy which safeguards our freedom. — Yours, etc., L. H. CARMICHAEL. October 27, 1975.