Criticism of the Government

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 64, 9 December 1936, Page 13

Criticism of the Government

Sir, —Observe the cloven hoof I "Reason” wonders if Hitler was far wrong when he suspended certain newspapers for "distortion” and ‘‘destructive criticism.” And who was the judge of what was "distortion” and "destructive criticism”? Hitler himself, of course, as no doubt “Reason” and his friends would like to be of what is "distortion” and "destructive criticism” in "The Dominion.”

What is destructive criticism? My view is that it is hostile criticism which offers no alternative, and I would cite as a good example the Labour Party’s opposition to the Government’s efforts to balance the Budget in the slump years. On the other hand, I cannot consider that “The Dominion's” criticism of present factory measures is destructive when the alternatives, e'.g., reduced taxation, non-compulsory unionism, less Government trading, etc., are perfectly clear. What increased -prosperity has to do with the question I do not know, though no doubt certain Labour supporters would be quite prepared .to.maintain that Mr. Savage and his confreres are directly responsible for the great increases in the prices of our primary products. But “Reason” should remember that one indisputable fact is that the Government determines his rates of taxation, and he may be calling a different tune when the next slump arrives and he is called to pay out of an income which as been reduced by two-thirds, taxation assessed on his previous year’s income.

If there is one reason more than another why I distrust the efficacy of Socialist policies it is because of the intolerance of Socialists themselves and their aptitude to impute discreditable motives to those who oppose them. But as far as the present Government is concerned, let me say I admire its industry and energy and am quite content to let it have its run. But that is not to say that I would not resent, and resist to my. utmost ability, any attempt on the Government’s part to interfere with freedom of criticism.—l am, etc., B. Wellington, December 8.