Defence Unrest, Lining Costs, Communism: Decisive Action Needed

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 April 1948, Page 3

Defence Unrest, Lining Costs, Communism: Decisive Action Needed

(P.A.) April 3. I Questions of political importance' and public interest, including national defence, industrial unrest, living costs, and Communism, were discussed at the caucus of the Parliamentary Opposition held at Parliament buildings today. Mr S. G. Holland, . Leader of the Opposition, said the caucus had been fully attended. Reports of members on conditions in various parts of New Zealand had been of value in providing a picture of the present state of the country and had indicated tnat there were several matters of national importance calling urgently for decisive action.

Caucus had discussed the continued defiance of the law by certain militant and mostly Communist-dominated unions, and had reaffirmed its view that ’fearless, impartial enforcement of the laiv, as it affected both employers and employees, was the first duty of the’ Government in office, said Mr Holland. The pai‘ty took the view that industrial harmony was vital to progress and was convinced that the "reat majority of unionists were satisfied with existing provisions for the hearing of disputes and were wary of being-drawn into an endless series of disturbances. The present unsatisfactory position arose largely from the fact that those who had defied the law had invariably obtained greater benefits than those who had complied with it. This placed a premium on direct action. Secret Strike Ballots “The Opposition stands four-square by its policy of a secret ballot on all strike issues, with appropriate penalties Tor those who disregard this provision,” said Mr Holland. “We have complete confidence in the moderation and good sense of the average New Zealander, and believe that if he were free of the fear of victimisation by ruthless minorities and had'the right of a properly-supervised secret ballot much industrial unrest would be eliminated.” Members of the Opposition expressed concern in view of the disturbed international situation that the Government had not seen fit to announce. its defence policy, a matter which in other countries was rightly regarded as of the utmost importance. General George Marshall, American Secretary of State, had recently observed that the only way to win a war was to prevent it. An obvious state of military unpreparedness could be an invitation to an aggressor, thus

hastening war. Modern technical developments had made speed in the mobilising pf defensive forces more irnpoftant than ever. In spite of the obvious facts of the situation, the Government in New Zealand had been silent on the subject. The'Opposition held that an adequate defence policy was part of New Zealand’s obligations as a member of the British Empire and a partner of the Motherland. The caucus therefore was of opinion that the Government should make a statement on this urgent matter without delay. Railway Revenue Decline “The attention of caucus.was drawn to a serious and continuing decline in railway revenue, and mounting losses incurred in the operation of the service,” he- Continued. , “These, it was reported, now added about £4,000,000 a year to the burden shouldered by the taxpayer, and this notwithstanding recent substantial increases in railway freights and fares. In view of this, the caucus considered that a thorough public inquiry into the operation of the entire transport system of New Zealand, including railway, road, sea, and air services, was urgently required.” Consideration was also given to petrol rationing. Mr Holland said that the attitude of the caucus was that the present system was unsatisfactory and inequitable. There was a lack of flexibility about it which meant that, while some people appeared to have more petrol than they needed, others were seriously handicapped. It would be better to revert to the former system than to continue with the present method. Local conditions, and requirements in various areas did not appear to receive adequate consideration. Opnosition members were of the strong opinion that a greater degree of decentralisation was necessary. Import Policy Another subject discussed was import restrictions. It was felt that in view of the urgent need for British trade expansion all restrictions on the importation of British goods should be removed as soon as possible. Reports were received from various parts of New Zealand of chaotic conditions” arising from import licensing, and it was stated that in some cases licences had been refused for goods that were essential to the economy of the country, and to the needs of the public. Delays in the issue of licences had imposed difficulties on the business community, and emphasised the need for an overhaul ot the system.