MR. NASH’S MISSION

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 173, 19 April 1937, Page 10

MR. NASH’S MISSION

Acting-Prime Minister v. Mr. Doidge POLITICAL EXCHANGES A reply to a second statement by Mr. F. AV. Doidge. of Auckland who in “The Dominion” reiterated his assertion that the mission of the Minister of Finance and Marketing. Hon. AA'. Nash, to London had failed and that it was time the Minister returned homo to New Zealand, was made on Saturday by the Acting-Prime Minister, Hon. P. Fraser. “I desire to thank Mr. Doidge most sincerely for his kind corroboration of my statements regarding Mr. Baldwin’s opiuion of the ‘Evening Standard’ and tlie allied papers which endeavour to exercise ‘power without responsibility —tlie prerogative of tlie harlot throughout the ages.’" said Mr. Fraser. “His assertion that Mr. Baldwin has long regretted telling the truth about the Beaverbrook-Rotherniere Press sounds as credible as one of tlie amazing and entertaining yarns of that delightful favourite of the children. ‘Popeye the Sailor Man.’ I would like Mr. Doidge to produce evidence of this expression of regret. “I do not propose to devote any effort to defending Mr. Baldwin from Mr. Doidge’s insinuation that, in effect. It was mere political and party spleen that induced' him to launch his unanswerable and overwhelming denunciation of the ‘Evening Standard’ and those associated with it. Even political opponents admit Mr. Baldwin’s honesty ami fairness. “Mr. Doidge’s claim that the Beaverbrook Empire Free Trade stunt (carried on at the same time as the Beaverbrook ‘Evening Standard’ and ‘Daily Express’ were, urging American manufacturers to ’ swamp Britain with American goods) was successful in Groat Britain is about as accurate as would bo a statement to the effect that he, himself, was successful in Rotorua at the general election or in Manukau at the by-election. “Mr. Doidge’s claim that the ‘Evening Standard’ was one of the ‘pre-emi-nent publical ions in London in political ami financial circles’ is laughable. The only feature the 'Evening Standard’ is notable for are the cartoons of that eminent New Zealander David Low. and his cartoons are usually directly opposed to the editorial policy of the paiier. Incidentally, it is greatly to Sir. Doidge’s credit as a journalist that lie secured David Low for the paper. “Tlie 'Evening Standard’ is pretty low in lite estimation of tlie people of Great Britain now, btif without Low it would be lower still. For that reason. coupled with the fact that New Zealand’s able Minister of Finance (Mr. AA’. Nash) was on tlie spot to give it tlie lie direct. Ils efforts to unscrupulously attack the credit of New Zealand. although obviously actuated by the worst intentions, fortunately have been particularly futile. The Press of tlie Dominion as a whole lias repudiated the ‘Evening Standard’s’ mischievous and untruthful effort at injuring the country’s financial standing. Was that attack inspired from New Zealand? Does Mr. Doidge know -anything about it? “Mr. Doidge’s further reference to Mr. Nash deserves the attention I propose to give it—that is, none whatever. One thing is certain: Mr. Nash carries with him the confidence of the Government and the country, ami he will come back to a cordial welcome from the people of Now Zealand, particularly from his own electorate of niift, while Mr. Doidge will still probably be running round looking for a constituency to adopt him. something like the hero of Captain Marryatt’s novel ‘Japhet in Search of a Father.’”