‘Labour is stronger for its defeat’

Press, 18 October 1976, Page 18

‘Labour is stronger for its defeat’

Bv

CEDRIC MENTIPLAY

The view that the Labour Party is stronger now because of its electoral defeat IwSt November is held by the new member for Nelson (Mr M F. Courtney). “The average onlooker might think we are extremely weak at this time, but actually we are a party with a purpose, a philosophy and a definite direction,” he said. “With those qualities one never really loses, though it may appear that with only 32 members in the House we are extremely weak. I feel in my own mind that at grass-roots level we have never before been as strong as we are today.” Asked if that meant that he thought the Labour defeat could have been a good thing, Mr Courtney said: “Part of my philosophy is that out' of bad comes good. So 1 would agree with that thesis.”

Speaking on his impressions of Parliament from the “inside,” Mr Courtney said: “For every day and hour I am in the House, I feel I am becoming that much more Labour. When I sit in the House and listen to Government members’ attitudes to different things — housing, education, health, employment — I feel that for them the cost comes before the need. I can assure you I feel better in my Labour attitude.”

Mr Courtney said that even in his own mind as someone outside Parliament during the last five years it was becoming difficult to see the differences between the parties: “But, gracious me. They are poles apart at the present time. We have noticed a lack of policy, purpose and direction on the National side. I see weaknesses in their approach to basic human rights, such as employment, housing, health and education. The problems

today are human problems . . .”

Mr Courtney expresses no criticism concerning the running of Parliament. “As a new member, I think I should assess the position over a lengthy period before offering any criticism, particularly destructive criticism,” he said.

“I feel it is democracy. We are fortunate to have it in this country and I would fight to protect it. I do not see any advantage in the destructive approach. There are areas of improvement, and there will be changes, but in the meantime I am prepared to accept it without comment.”

Mr Courtney is the Labour Party’s spokesman on fisheries, as well as horticulture. “Both these matters are closely related to my electorate. Fishing is of

great appeal. It’s a young industry which will grow into something exciting for New Zealand and for Nelson especially. I would like to think we shall be the hub of the fishing industry. The possibility that I could be a future Minister of Fisheries has a great appeal.” At present he is serving on the Public Expenditure Committtee in place of Mr R. O. Douglas (who is overseas). “There is much you can learn on that committee. You examine every set of estimates, and have the opportunity to question members of departments. I would like to be on that one permanently.” Mr Courtney, who is 33, is a married man with three sons, the eldest of whom is 7. He is happy to be in one of New Zealand’s “commuter seats,” only half an