General Election

Press, 29 November 1978, Page 16

General Election

Sir, — Mr Beetham’s desire for proportional representation will not appeal to Mr Rowling who would only be interested if there were two parties concerned — Labour and National. But, seriously, 1 agree with Varian .1. Wilson — that proportional representation can lead to a multiplicity of parties and a decline in Government effectiveness. Instead of moaning about the present electoral system, Social Credit, should concentrate on broadening its appeal by combining Labour idealism with National realistic efficiency. Only a few hard-line supnorters believe in Social Credit’s money theory; this election the bulk of its support has come from the numerous “antis” who voted Labour in 1972 and National in 1975. These do not form a solid base. Should Social Credit fail to groom its appearance, they could easily vote Labour in 1981. Labour should have lived down its 1972-75 reputation by then. Social Credit would have become another passing phase like Values. — Yours, etc., V. F. WILKINSONj November 28, 1978.

Sir, — I agree that the 16 per cent of voters who chose Social Credit possibly did not understand that party’s monetary policy, but how many people who persistently vote for National and Labour really understand how the present monetary system works? Rather like barrackers at a football match they support the team of their parents’ choice. In the . past, Government changes have been brought about by the “swinging voters” who have voted for the party best for them personally. However, at present, with inflation, unemployment, bankruptcies, violence, industrial unrest, the shambles to which Parliament has beer reduced, and legislation curtailing personal freedom, the voters are out to get rid of not just parties but the system also. — Yours, etc., JOHN J. FORSTER. November 27, 1978,

Sir, — Cedric Menfiplay’s bogy of undue party influence exists now; the O’Brien and Downie cases confirm that. It is the present system that, most intrudes the power of the party executive into the voters’ freedom of choice. Our entire electoral system is unfortunately wholly under the control of the parties that most benefit by itProportional representation, as in West Germany, guarantees the intimacy of the individual electorate we enicy now. while ensuring a fairer natty balance. In addition. the country is able to benefit from the services of each party’s more effective members. Such is not the case in New Zealand today. The present electoral system. maintained bv the main parties out of narrow selfinterest, and not as they claim, in the interests of good government, deprives some of the more capable members if their place in Parliament, and denies all voters an equal say. — Yours, etc.. T HEFFERNAN. November 28. 1978. Sir, —- I have to think you were tongue-in-cheek when you suggested in this morning’s leader that many Social Credit supporters did

not understand the party’s financial theories. If you are suggesting by that that current governmental financial practice is understood, then why are the financial affairs of the country in such a mess? Could it be that the present administrators do not understand? Or could it be that a new system is needed? — Yours, etc., R. HUNTER. November 27, 1978.