National Party policy

Press, 12 October 1982, Page 16

National Party policy

Sir—lt is surprising but none-theless gratifying to hear the M.P. for Rangiora conceding the unacceptable cost of the barely disguised bribes which put his party into power in 1978 (Superannuation) and 1981 (M.R.P.). However, it strains the credulity too far to hear the simultaneous concern for the needy and the sick coming from the lips of the architect of the present Government's ruthless housing policy. If he is auditioning for the National Party’s “all purpose on-call conscience” team he perhaps needs reminding that now that Bruce Beetham has joined, he and the Hamilton trio can cover all eventualities.—Yours, etc.,

TERRY DOLBY. October 10, 1982.

Sir,—Recent events in the political arena between the Government and the trade unions are displaying all the signs of confrontation between the parties concerned. Both sides are adopting the same old tactics of the past with the Government and 'Mr Muldoon in particular using the longestablished cliche of reds under the bed — the punch-line of a very insecure Prime Minister. The trade unions are merely playing the Government at its own game — namely the distruction of the opposition, and should the unions win the day this country’s future will be assured.—Yours, etc. L. WESTNEY. October 6, 1982.

Sir,—While agreeing with M. T. Moore (October 6) that the greatest military threat today may come from the far Right, I cannot agree that the Nazi-Soviet Pact of 1939 was “purely defensive." The pact contained secret articles one of which set out the plans for Germany and Russia to carve up Poland between them. The Russians had also received trade credit of 200 million

reichsmarks as part oi the deal. The treaty also gave Russia a free hand in Bessarabia and greater influence in the Baltic States. The aim of both dictators, Stalin and Hitler, was clear. Both were intent on grabbing as much land as possible and used the treaty to their own advantage. An unusual alliance it may have been but it was definitely not defensive as the Polish people were to find out. — Yours, etc., S. J. HANSEN. October 9. 1982.