CORRESPONDENCE LABOUR CLAIMS

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 September 1943, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE

LABOUR CLAIMS

ITO THE EDITOR.] Sir, —Your correspondent “Scrutator” seems to be so unaware of the facts in connection with the part taken by the Government in peace and war periods from the time the Labour Party took control of the Dominion’s affairs, that he should be enlightened. First of all when the Party were elected in 1935 following on the Nationalists misguided control, the economic and financial condition of our country was in a deplorable condition caused mainly by the old National Party’s lack of foresight both during the last war and the post-war periods. Apart from the old national debt amounting to the sum of close on £400,000,000, there were many thousands of unemployed. From slave camp conditions, the Labour Government set to work with a will and during a period of four years prior to the outbreak of war, this country, by wise government, was placed in a very satisfactory condition both economically and financially and unemployment was almost abolished and wages of all classes were placed on a good living standard. What is the motive behind your correspondent’s letter? Is it to camouflage the situation and put a smoke screen before the eyes and minds of your readers? The assertion of “Scrutator” that taxation will soon overlap wages is ridiculous and shows complete lack of the economic and financial situation as expounded by the Minister of Finance. Evidently your correspondent wants a high standard of living as well as participation in the war, but complains bitterly about sharing with others in the payment of such. His National Party promise him a Utopia but do not tell the taxpayers where the wherewithal is to come from. A great deal could be written on this vital matter. I will leave this to the imagination of your readers meantime. The claims of the Labour Party are genuine. I am, etc., “DON’T BE MISLED.” ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENT. De Bunk: Too lengthy.