WHAT ARE OUR PLANS?

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 69, 19 September 1944, Page 4

WHAT ARE OUR PLANS?

In a statement in Montreal, where he is representing the Dominion at the second session of the council of UNRRA, the New Zealand Minister to the United States (Mr. Berendsen) said that, although the Dominion was rationing eggs at the rate of one per person per week, it was prepared to continue general rationing after the war to assist in rehabilitating the war-torn world. New Zealanders generally will agree that this country has a duty to assist to. the fullest possible extent the peoples of the countries that have suffered most,' and they are prepared to accept the sacrifices involved. At the same time, they have a right to expect that the Government should inform them of the nature of any plans it has made to meet the country's obligations and. the extent to which they will be affected by those plans. So far statements regarding New Zealand's responsibilities under UNRRA have been in most general terms. In his recent Budget the Minister of Finance (Mr. Nash) reviewed at some length the proceedings at the first conference at Atlantic City, but beyond stating the amount which New Zealand would be called upon to contribute—£26o,ooo in overseas funds and £2,340,000 as credits for the pm-chase of its products—h« gave no information either as to the jmethods to-be employed in providing the goods or as to the likely effect on living standards in this country. There have been general statements that it will be necessary to maintain certain forms of controls, but the people have not been told what these will. involve. Yet the fact that Mr. Berendsen was able to commit this country to a con-.j tinuation of rationing shows clearly! that the Government must be working to some plan.

That being so, why should the people not be told what the Government has in mind? jf New Zealand is to meet its obligations, the co-operation of producers and consumers will be required, and this can best be obtained by the Government taking them into its confidence now. There is a need, too, for more information regarding other aspects of New Zealand's obligations in a post-war world. This country, has subscribed to the principle of the Atlantic Charter. Adherence to the terms of this historic document carries with it obligations as well as advantages, and it is conceivable that for New Zealand—one of the most favoured nations of the world —the giving may outweigh the getting if the Charter is to have more than lip-service. There are few outward signs yet that the Government has formulated: any policy that will enable New Zealand to adhere to the principles of the Charter without giving rise to friction between varying interests. In his Budget speech, Mr. Nash declared: "Our first responsibility is to maintain and expand the living standards of our own people, but our responsibility as a nation does not end there. We are a nation inside ; a world to which we- have a responsibility." What steps are being taken now to ensure that that responsibility will be met? , The question is of immediate concern to all the people, and they have a right to know what part they will be expected to play in 'the new post-war economy.