King Country Chronicle. Saturday, February 27, 1937. THE OPPOSITION POINT OF VIEW

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 4961, 27 February 1937, Page 4

King Country Chronicle. Saturday, February 27, 1937. THE OPPOSITION POINT OF VIEW

It is matter of regret that there was not a larger audience to hear Mr. Holland's criticism of the Labour Government on Thursday night, for the speaker revealed some interesting facts regarding the policy of the present administration, and the repercussions which must inevitably follow many of the new measures placed on the Statute Book last session. In the course of his remarks Mr. Holland stated that there has been a revival of interest in political matters during the last few months, and it is to be sincerely hoped that this spirit will permeate the whole Dominion before the next election. In the past there has been a regrettable apathy in this way. Thousands of voters listen to the promises of candidates given prior to the elections, and never stop to consider whether these promises can be honoured or what the effect will be if they are. This country has given a lead to many countries in its social legislation, but as pointed out by Mr. Holland, the people of this country have no desire for a Socialistic form of Government by the regimentation of industries. Unless the electors study the political situation very carefully, and come to a full realisation of where the Labour Government is leading the country, then the menace of Socialism will become an established fact. It can be asked whether there is one country in the world where the people are happy and contented under Socialism. There is a vast difference between Democracy and Socialism. The one means "Government for the people, through the people, and by the people." The other stands for dictatorship with a loss of liberty of the subject, and the killing of initiative. Had the Labour Party been more candid in its Socialistic policy during the election campaign, it is extremely doubtful whether it would be occupying the Treasury benches to-day. The Government has not fulfilled all its preelection promises. It was then stated by the Prime Minister that there would be no increase of taxation, the rate of exchange was to be reduced, and the sales tax removed. These were among the most important promises of the Government, for each had a vital effect on the cost of living. To anyone with even a superficial knowledge of economics it must have been realised how impossible it was for the Government to fulfil these promises when it also started on a campaign of extravagant expenditure —expenditure that in many cases will be a permanent liability to the whole of the Dominion. Mr. Holland made many charges against the present administration which are irrefutable. He had facts and figures to prove them, and it is to be hoped the electors will from now on make an individual study of the Labour Party's policy and what the country will have to pay for this policy in time to come. We have always been against party politics, but with Labour showing a united front this is inevitable. At the same time there is only room for two political parties in the Dominion and those electors who are against Socialism must organise and show the same united front, otherwise this Dominion is facing serious trouble. New Zealand has still scope for enormous development, and this can only be achieved by hard work and sound leadership. Mr. Holland stated that there is to be a thorough overhaul of the National Party's policy, and the announcement of that policy will be awaited with keen interest. He frankly acknowledged that the former Government made many mistakes, and an endeavour would be made to rectify these. When the new policy has been framed it should be the duty of electors to investigate the present Government's policy and compare it with the proposals of the National Party, and then make a decision. If people are led away by florid promises without due consideration of the effects, then the country will have to resign itself to Socialistic rule.