The election

Press, 21 June 1984, Page 14

The election

Sir,—The Prime Minister’s “friendly uncle” approach on radio and television in giving reasons for seeking a new mandate will fool no- one except those still mesmerised by his 1975 blackboard barnstorm of the country. As he was elected then on the basis of his economic wizardry, it seems fitting that he should get the blackboards out again and show them to the country, with a new set alongside showing the corresponding figures for 1984. This would put paid to the vicious rumour circulating that the Prime Minister has no economic rabbits left in the hat. — Yours, etc.,.

JOHN SUMMERS. Southbridge, June 19, 1984.

Sir,—Mike Moore works harder than anyone else in Parliament, and for the National Party to attack him because he spent a bit of money on telephone calls to do his job is about as low as you can get. I support Mike Moore. —

Yours, etc., TED HICKS. June 20, 1984.

Sir,—The Prime Minister’s television statement after the announcement of a snap election stressed Mr Lange’s ignorance of finance. He has either forgotten his party’s history, or hopes the electors have. On assuming office after defeating the first Labour Government, Sir Sidney Holland took finance as well, saying openly he knew nothing about it, but had good advisers. At times one could wish Sir Robert knew less on this subject. In the past he has manipulated the economy so that it looked good at election time. This time his effort peaked so early, it will have spent itself by November — that is the reason we have a snap election. It is debatable that experience is better than people with vision who learn fast when challenged. The first Labour Government had little experience, but was far better than its two successors. — Yours, etc., A. M. COATES. June 20, 1984.

Sir, — If there is such great accord within the Labour Party, could your correspondent, D. J. O’Rourke (June 19), explain why five disillusioned Labour members are standing as Independents? In Labour eyes, Derek Quigley will immediately be another Sir John Marshall,., who assumed greatness in socialist eyes when, on retirement, he was critical not only of the Muldoon leadership, but the lack of private-enterprise policy. Honesty is not rewarded by either of the major parties: Sir Arnold Nordmeyer had a brilliant political career terminated merely for doing what was required at the time, with strict financial control. D. J. O’Rourke says that the “collapse” of the Muldoon Government has been unfairly attributed to Marilyn Waring, but no doubt your correspondent does not wish to remember that the Clyde high dam proceeded only through a

political deal with Social Credit. I am in favour of more Independent members: “Forget the party, think of the country.” — Yours, etc., L. J. STEVENS, Oamaru. June 19, 1984.