The Evening Star FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1946. TACTICAL BLUNDERS

Evening Star, Issue 25950, 15 November 1946, Page 6

The Evening Star FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1946. TACTICAL BLUNDERS

As the election campaign approaches its climax it is evident that on many points the tactics followed by Labour have failed. Repeatedly efforts have been made to cause a sensation, but instead of the point having an explosive effect advantageous to the Government it has usually fizzled and fallen fiat/ with the advantage to the Opposition. The Primo Minister opened the campaign with the claim that Labour had banished poverty from New Zealand, but he went on to argue that it could return unless Labour wag confirmed in office, and he conjured up dark visions of wages and social security benefits beiiig slashed by a Tory party if it ever reached power. When it was found that the Opposition was giving, a firm pledge that none of the cuts predicted would be made, Labour hurriedly changed its cry to one of shocked amazement that the National Party was trying to “out-Labour Labour.” At the same time every effort has been made to deride the policy of the Opposition, particularly those features which offer incentives and greater rewards to the workers for increased production and more selfreliance than Labour desires.

During the last few days it has seemed that Labour speakers and supporters just cannot help committing serious blunders in strategy. Early this week, Mr R. Walls, who is contesting an electorate in which reside a greater proportion of business men than in some other city seats, told hia audience that Labour would cut out the “ middlemen,” It was a highsounding utterance, but it cannot have impressed the' thinking section of the population who realise that agents of ’distribution, are a necessary element in the community. The Government has already made an entry into the distribution side of business by creating the. Internal Marketing Department, with disastrous results both in the supply of goods bandied and- in prices. Neither producers nor consumers have shown much satisfaction over the Government’s adventure. Then there was the attempt to terrify the public servants that their employment would be in jeopardy if a change •of government resulted from the election, As. it has. been responsible for an enormous increase in the number of State servants, now at a record of more than 80,000, the Government is not unnaturally anxious ensure that.it receives the majority of their votes. The efforts of prominent individuals in the Public Service Association to swing the group in behind Labour, cannot, however, have impressed many, particularly since, it has been disclosed-that one of them is attached to the office, of the Minister; of Finance and has been active in trying to -get the/association affiliated - with the Federation of Labour; Mr, P. G. Connolly,. no doubt, received more than he bargained for when he attacked the shirt manufacturers and advocated State manufacture -of clothing. All the satisfaction to be had from that error in judgment was a clear disclosure that Labour’s own legislation was responsible for the shirt shortage. , Finally, the Prime Minister did more harm than good when lie asked a Hastings meeting for a show of hands whether or not the audience approved Labour’s policy. The only time when a politician has the. right to ask the electors to. disclose their, views bn such , a question is at the secret ballot, and Mr Fraser appears to have created a measure of resentment through.his eagerness to secure an enthusiastic vindication for his party.