THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY

Evening Post, Volume c, Issue 54, 5 March 1934, Page 8

THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY

(To the Editor.) Sir,—Our export season is drawing to a close and fortunately for New Zealand the economic conditions in Great Britain have been -more stable in comparison with other countries. Recent utterances by prominent visitors from overseas are not only enlightening but should inspire the Coalition Government to rectify mistakes that have been made in its general policy of administration. Oppressive legislation (as the artificial increase in rate of exchange) that has not the sanction of the people and is opposed by the great weight of public opinion must fail and likewise impede progress in the direction of better times for all. Members of Cabinet have been touring the length and breadth of the Dominion, but no attempt has been forthcoming to-place before electors any. definite policy or straight and clear-cut issues to alleviate disheartenment, confusion, and suspense. As the cost of a Cabinet Minister "on tour" amounts to approximately £7 per day, the question of economy requires to be taken more seriously, and so does the whole cost of government. A policy speech, delivered in one of the main centres by the Prime Minister would be more effective in gaining the allegiance and possibly the sympathy of electors. Winter is once more approaching, and one views with apprehension whether the Government! fully appreciates it is the future that mingles itself with the thoughts of those who form' conjectures from the past. .'.;,'■'• It is to be hoped the leaders of the Coalition will face the broad issues at stake, and realise that because- many of these are unpleasant it is no use shutting their eyes to them. The weapon, of economic retaliation coupted with all manner of man-made artificial measures and theories are hindering the flow of trade all over the world. .';\ This Dominion should be chiefly concerned with fostering and consolidating the good will of Great Britain, and not place too much reliance' upon benefits to be derived from a shortsighted and crude policy of manipulating bur currency. As the real wealth of this Dominion must be measured in our export trade, it is to be regretted that those responsible have been.slow to make any real effort to extend our market overseas and at the same time realise that in the. policy of, "Back to the Land" is the only true salvation of our unemployment problem. Admittedly agriculture has not been on a payable basis for some years, but the reasons are known to all honest thinkers. Farmers made fortunes in war times, and unfortunately unrestrained speculation in land took place, with far-reaching and disastrous consequences., Existing conditions demand a bold policy of reconstruction and adjustment based on vision and sound economic lines. "-.."' Only action and more frankness on the, part of the: Coalition itself can bring about rehabilitation of > the Dominion. It is imperative to recognise; and safeguard the interests of both the small farmer and the trader, as New Zealand wants neither millionaires nor paupers^ but a reasonable standard of living, for all. The Government should scrap its present policy of appointing one, board' after another to be spared the t embarrassment; of having to accept responsibility, an'd'act accordingly; The policy of "wait and see", should be abandoned,_as it is not consistent .with initiative and wisdom that should flow from sound and progressive : government.' The wise men of .the-East believed "the best Cabinet was comprised of two persons—with one absent." ■ What would theße same wise men think of New Zealand today with all our boards, commissions, and neTer-ending stream of conferences?—l'am, etc., ."■'.;■■ :■ : • T.: A: FRASER. ,