Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, JULY 2nd., 1936. LABOUR POLICY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 July 1936, Page 8

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, JULY 2nd., 1936. LABOUR POLICY.

LABOUR may be as dictatorial as it pleases, meanwhile, in 'this country, but where outside lands are concerned, such authority will be questioned. Mr. Savage may appeal to prejudice by denouncing the “money interests” in Britain, but unless the Government’s proposals for interest reductions on loans granted to New Zealand, are based on equity, the investors will refuse their assent. A Minister in the Dominion is a person of consequence. When he voyages abroad, especially to the Homeland, he is but one of many, and although he is assured of a cordial welcome and goodwill if only because of the country he represents, he alone has not the power of decision.

London financial circles were somewhat perturbed when the November general elections gave Labour a majority in New Zealand, but were reassured by Mr. Savage’s statements that there was nothing to fear from Labour’s policy. Prices of New Zealand stocks were maintained, although the first loan issue under the new Government, was not a success. Indiscreet language by the Prime Minister regarding Mr. Nash’s forthcoming mission, will not help him to succeed in his objects, and it must be remembered that City circles can lend their money to advantage in many quarters. Mr. Savage’s ■’•dher mysterious- references to broken engagements and to “bouncing the ball” need .urther 1 explanation. Many think that it I

would be wiser were Air. Savage to leave the Minister of Finance to make statements as to finance. Air. Nash does not appear to talk enough,—at least to the public, — a reticence not shared by his leader and some of his colleagues. It is becoming clear that Labour will not be able to do all it claimed, and is already hedging in some directions. Prices, for instance were not going to be permitted to increase, nevertheless, rises are taking place, with the Government apparently unable to prevent it by the legislation passed. State competition is now threatened, but the State has its limitations in that direction. Aloreover, what Air. Forbes termed the ‘ ‘ new tyranny ’ ’ is creating alarm in the public mind as to when and where the Labour craze for control will end. The spectacle of the A'linister of Public AVorks going into heroics because a few workers employed by his Department do not see eye to eye with him, would be humorous, were it not also ominous. Air. Semple may have an excellent case, but he is making a mountain of a molehill, and the language he uses in reply to his critics is not the soft answer that turneth away wrath. Air. Savage and his colleagues need to do some more of the thinking of which they boast. AVhether this is done at Wellington or AVaiho, is of little consequence, providing the result .justifies the effort. It is proverbial that second thoughts are best, and. possibly this would prove true in Labour’s instance, were honest reflection given again to some items, of the policy thrust on an increasingly anxious community.