THE POLITICAL AIM

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 81, 7 April 1931, Page 8

THE POLITICAL AIM

In the report of its National Executive, the political aim of the Labour Parly is exposed with almost startling clearness. New Zealand is now grappling with difficulties which are greater than have confronted the country for a generation. The Government has realised its responsibility, and has courageously undertaken the task of restoring a sound balance in the national Budget. To do this it has had to choose between planks in its platform. It was returned pledged to sound finance and also to certain extensions of social services. It has been forced to recognise that these extensions of public benefits cannot now be made if the pledge of first importance—sound finance—is to be kept. Wisely, it has realised that its first duty is to restore financial stability, that this is the greatest of its pledges, and that an extension of public benefits based upon unsound finance would be in itself unsound and illusory. The Reform section of the Opposition has also proved itself sensible of the responsibility .resting upon it. It has not gone so far as we would wish in putting party completely aside in the crisis, but it has foregone the accepted Opposition right of criticism and substituted a substantial measure of co-operation. It has wisely and (judged by political standards) magnanimously declined to seek political profit from the country's misfortunes. Let tills be contrasted with the conduct of the Labour Party —a party which pharisaically gives thanks that it has a higher aim than other parties, and that commends itself for its noble ideals. Stripped of its glossing verbiage, the declaration of the National Executive of the Labour Party is simply this: "This is our political opportunity." There is no offer to help in the hour of national necessity, no constructive suggestion. Rather, the party points with pride to its obstructive performance, and is eagerly anticipating the occasion when it can extend the fight to the electorates. If the fight serves to consolidate the movement (states the roport), then the immediate disabilities of the workers may result in permanent improvement at the end of the year, when the General Election conies round. The "permanent improvement" anticipated is the return of a Labour Government, but the report does not explain how even a Labour Government would introduce improvements which would be real. A Labour Government alone can no longer be regarded, as an "improvement." It has been tried elsewhere, and has been proved an additional burden. In Great Britain and in Australia prosperity has not followed naturally on Labour's advent to office. Rather, the crisis has become more acute. What grounds, then, have we to expect more from Labour in New Zealand? The party submits no plans. It has made only one suggestion, for an increase in individual income tax, which would amount to 250 per cent, addition to the present rates. The National Executive's report supplies no other arguments or reasons. It simply urges: "Make the most of this so that we can get into office." The electors cannot trust with power a party which so openly proclaims its eagerness for office by making the attainment its first and foremost aim.