General Election

Press, 17 November 1981, Page 20

General Election

Sir,—Who should govern New Zealand? Poll results, news media opinions, critics and supporters of parties and policies will be in no doubt after November 28. The track record for six years under National “Think Big” policies includes the biggest tax take, the biggest number of unemployed since the depression (70,000) and still rising, the biggest price rises for electricity, food, postal rates, rents, houses. You name it, you got it. In the neck. The biggest external debt ever. If a private person was running a business the same way National administration is governing New Zealand b e would be bankrupt. Some other prize-winning performances have been the marginal land controversy, an attempt to discipline a public prayer group, the Gleneagles interpretation, the use of poli.ce as an assault force, the Prime Minister off centre stage in Melbourne. Need there be more? The workers of New Zealand should leave no doubt as to their choice this month, Labour —Yours, etc., ATA MARIKENA. November 14, 1981.. Sir,—Mr Jim Gribben, the Social Credit candidate for Selwyn, has recently announced that whatever the result of the General Election he will be leaving Selwyn electorate and moving to Picton to take up a new public service appointment on promotion. I applaud Mr Gribben’s honesty in letting voters know his future plans and I wish him well, but this does raise the issue that electors in Selwyn are left with just one local candidate, namely Bill Woods the Labour Party-contender. I personally think it essential that the future M.P. for Selwyn should have a real locally based interest in the electorate rather than a superficial concern as a stepping stone to political power, and I would hope that my view will be typical of other voters in this large and diverse electorate.— Yours, etc., R. L. PLUCK. November 15. 1981.

Sir,—Two of the three party conferences were stage-man-aged as are the Prime Minister’s rallies. Your approval shows television, has made drastic change. It will comfort those who feel something valuable has been lost if they realise the public is no longer so gullible as it was and discounts any blatant sham. In the 7 p.m. election ‘ telecast advertisements. Social Credit comes out best with a dignified, concise and effective policy presentation. The threecandidate type of exposure shows much executive talent waiting to be 'used. The old one-man band cry. with Mr Beetham keeping a lot of w'eak-kneed yesmen in line, whether conscience objects or not. can no longer be political enemy ammunition, if truth is faced by the two old parties. Parliament, an. undemocratic shambles for far too long, will regain its former function and dignity when more of those in the 7 p.m. telecast win seats on election day. The only alternative, Social Credit, should be given a go—Yours, etc.. A. M. COATES. November 14. 1981.