N.Z. has much to learn from others — Mr Rowling

Press, 20 October 1976, Page 3

N.Z. has much to learn from others — Mr Rowling

PA Nelson New Zealanders could learn from other nations—from the fierce national pride of the African nations, from the get up and go of the Americans, and from the dedication of the Chinese, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Rowling) said in Richmond on Monday night.

Mr Rowling spoke to a near capacity crowd in the Waimea College Hall. He and the official party were piped in to an enthusiastic reception.

Looking at New Zealand from the outside he saw clear air, clean water, a small population, and plenty of room. “We have houses for families, schools, jobs, and hospitals for the sick,” said Mr Rowling. “We have a strong tradition of democracy and free speech. “We have a lot of things going for us. The real tragedy is that we are losing ground in all those things that matter.” There was the economic hardship to the individual. The economy was in a mess. “Mr Fix-it has fixed-it. Despite record earnings we are on a slippery slope.” Democracy had slipped a few notches and since he had been away some of the worry of Government back-benchers had shown through. There was tight control on broadcasting, union bashing, and begrudging of social welfare benefit “charity.”

It was time New Zealanders took a long look at the type of society they wanted. “We can do it if everyone is prepared to put in the effort. It is not the other fellow’s responsibility.” New Zealanders needed to be reminded that it was not

just good fortune that built this country. If present developments and trends continued, it could turn from the “Land of the Long White Cloud” to the “Land of the Long Black Shroud.” A tremendous public relations job was needed overseas to recover the position New Zealand held. “Our credibility is put at issue, but I did not find a country that did not seek to re-establish the kind of relationship they had with us 12 months ago.” People who begrudged foreign aid had no idea of its impact, he said. This was particularly true of aid which involved New Zealanders themselves, and which helped people to stand on their own feet. The real worth of such a trip was in meeting people, whether it was the crazy Latin American drivers who relied on two things,— their horn and providence — or the Chinese people bearing heavy loads through a vast sea of - bicycles. Lessons to be gained from China were that there was no lasting reward without work, there was no real progress without co-operation, and no future without dedication. If ever a nation could teach others about dedication, it was China, whose people, when Mao said dig deep, dug shelters deep, even with their hands.

“They worked their day and they then worked beyond it. A little bit of that could rub off here and do no harm.”

The. prospects for trade were reasonably bright, although every dollar gained would be hard earned. Brazil had a military government, but it did appear to have a social conscience.

There were problems — 50 per cent inflation, and 44 per cent of its export earnings were used to service overseas debt. But most observers, including international bank-

ers, said they would win through. Brazil was a potential market, a potential competitor, and a potential world power. He found a fund of good will toward the New Zealand Labour Party, but it was

i tempered with suspicion be- • cause of the actions of the ■ present Government. I “We are at a cross road. The sign we erected is still I there. I just hope that the I Nationalists have enough wit > to read it.”