General Election

Press, 10 November 1981, Page 24

General Election

Sir,—Faced with declining living standards and increasing divisiveness in a society from which only a few can escape, it is not surprising that New Zealanders are beginning to feel angry. But attacks on chosen representatives at public meetings (“P.M. faces rowdy Nelson meeting” — “The Press,” November 6) are neither, just nor constructive, for it has been said before that New Zealanders get the government they deserve. Higher standards of Parliamentary integrity and competence are in

fact probably feasible only by more critical scrutiny of candidates’ credentials and until the electorate demands comprehensive background data on each candidate at election time, no evaluation is possible. — Yours, etc., J. S. SMYTH. November 8, 1981.

Sir,—Undecided electors like me are being urged to exercise extreme thought and care in our voting. I am still hoping for the presentation of a really convincing plan for overcoming inflation and unemployment. Is it humanly possible to gain F.O.L. cooperation for the cessation of continual, unnecessary, crippling strikes and wage rises, renewed trade with Chile and realistic youth wage rates? Will National ever rectify its greatest mistake? National superannuation, free hospital and free medical treatment should still be administered, as for 30 years, in a separate fund, maintained by a fixed percentage from our incomes. National superannuation should start, as originally planned, at 65 years. We all have the right to strike and to protest, but those who incite violence, damage property, obstruct and cause colossal waste of muchneeded money are law-break-ers and deserve the full penalty of the law. This should be a vital election issue. — Yours, etc, E. MULCOCK. November 8, 1981.