‘Think big’

Press, 26 November 1981, Page 16

‘Think big’

Sir,—During this pre-elec-tion week of hard-sell promises, it could be worth while to ponder over the words of George Mackay Brown, Orkney’s prominent writer and patriot. He wrote in sad retrospect: “The notion of progress is a cancer that makes an elemental community look better, and induces a false euphoria while it drains the life out of it remorselessly.” Will we look back on our rapacious “thinking big” and likewise lament our lack of true forethought? — Yours, etc., LORNA ANKER. November 24, 1981.

Sir,—lt is obvious why Mr Muldoon denied the existence of secret Government reports slating “Think Big.” The reports said that the net loss to the New Zealand economy over the life of the three big projects would be $4OO million to $BOO million (“The Press,” November 20). They condemn “Think Big” in the same way as independent economic studies, such as Professor van Moeseke’s one, have done, by saying the projects do not give a worthwhile rate of return. How many studies are necessary to persuade the Government not to proceed with a policy which is against the country's best interests. — Yours, etc., V. H. NELSON. November 24, 1981.