The economy

Press, 29 June 1982, Page 16

The economy

Sir, — Some people look to Mr Muldoon for strong leadership in these difficult times. The only strength he has displayed, however, is in bullying those opposed to him and in stifling democratic discussion of issues. He has shown no strength in handling the economy, which has slumped into record levels of unemployment, inflation and debt. It will take New Zealand many years to recover from the “economic miracles" of the Muldoon oneman band. New Zealanders should "think big" and throw him out now. — Yours, etc.,

J. S. TANNER June 25, 1982.

Sir,—A wage and price freeze as a laudable attempt to control inflation and achieve overseas parity for our dollar is long overdue. The Douglases, Andersens and Thorpes are clearly not interested in im-. proving our economy — quite' the opposite and the appearance of Ken Douglas on “Newsmakers” confirms this. The end result of every general rise in wages is that we are just so much worse off. Instead of the continual watering down of our currency we should be striving to maintain and improve its purchasing power. Exorbitant wage demands and disruptive strikes have been part and parcel of union leadership. If unions concentrated on effectively resisting the current huge. price rises in petrol, electricity, postage, bread, milk, etc. everyone would benefit. We definitely will not improve our economy by taking more and more and giving less and less. We could at least try to give the opposite a fair go.—Yours, etc.,

E. MULCOCK June 27, 1982.

Sir,—What a classic example of “shutting the stable door after the horse has escaped.” Eggs, bread, milk, and petrol all increased in price before the price freeze, and to add insult to injury those items so necessary for a good diet, fruit, vegetables and fresh meat are not subject to price freeze. Yes, “New Zealand the way vou want it”—Yours, etc., S. WADE. June 26, 1982.