Clyde dam

Press, 14 July 1982, Page 14

Clyde dam

Sir. — So much for Social Credit's “balance of responsibility." Their recent compromise over the Clyde dam is totally irresponsible. They have said that the water rights application should go back to the Planning Tribunal, as directed bv the High Court. But if the tribunal does not come up with the high dam answer then Socred will support the Government’s special legislation to get that water right. Why bother going through the charade of the courts if Socred will help get the "right" answer anyway? "Law and order" and "individual rights" seem to have been forgotten. What of the rights of the landowners in the Cromwell Gorge who are legally attempting to retain their land and homes? It is sickening to see (the Opposition parties squabbling for regional votes, while principle and the national interest go out the window. Without the second smelter the high dam at Clyde is not needed.

and New Zealand cannot afford the luxury of building further unneeded dams. — Yours, etc.. D. L. JACKSON. July 13. 1982. Sir, — In claiming that Parliament is "the highest court in the land" Mr Birch is showing an alarming misunderstanding of the constitutional structure of our country. The high dam project at Clyde quite clearly has merit but what Mr Birch and other National members of Parliament appear to fail to grasp, is that for democracy to flourish it is essential to respect our constitutional base and the rule of law. The basis of our constitution is that the executive (Cabinet) governs, that is carries out the management of the country, but must answer to Parliament which has an overriding control over Cabinet and sets the rules within which Cabinet must act. The judicial system is independent of both Parliament and Cabinet; its function is to see the rules are obeyed. Cabinet in New Zealand has "seized" control of Parliament. To claim that Parliament is "the highest court" is to claim to the Prime Minister and his Cabinet, absolute control also of the courts. — Yours, etc.. W. F. MORGAN. July 12, 1982. Sir.—The Government's political manoeuvring over the Clyde dam issue is typical of Muldoonism which, like communism, erodes the law and the rights and freedom of the individual. This country could do with more men like Messrs Minogue and Quigley to oppose the manv self-seeking Government politicians who are content to play the role of yes men to their lord and master, Robert Muldoon. The Patea meat works situation coupled with the Clyde dam will mean the end of the road for the National Party.—Yours, etc.. L. WESTNEY. July 12. 1982. ■