THE REASON WHY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 11 August 1928, Page 4

THE REASON WHY

A REPLY TO AIR ALLPORT

To tho Editor)

Sir.—ln Mr Allport’s letter under the heading “Sovietism and Fruit Control” ho puts to us the following direct question :

“Why do the New Zealand Welfare League think that it would bo such a terrible thing for tho Labour Party to come into power, as so far they have only talked about Communism, while the present Government has actually applied it in all sorts of directions during their term of oflice, and with disastrous results to tho country.” Our answer is that wo oppose this party because it would carry the policy of State replacement of privato ownership and enterprise to the extreme limit. The party has not talked about Communism, it is far too cunning to do so.

In its platform, however, it declares for:—

(1) Establishment of St-ato farms for tho purpose of producing tho people’s foodstuffs.

(2) Speedy national control of the food supplies of the people. That moans eliminating both the private producer and consumer. We think that a party with such a policy is too dangerous to place in power. When a pistol is pointed at your head you do not' wait till the shot is fired on tho assumption that the person holding it will only talkj that would be foolish.

As Mr Allport is against tho existing limited control he ought to bo strongly opposed to a party which would extend it on tho line of complete State ownership. Such measure of control as exists in Now Zealand has'been largely due to the producers themselves either in failing to" effectively organise or in seeking State assistance. We support co-operation and have opposed compulsion. Whilst being against State encroachment on private business it appears to us unreasonable to blame the Government on account of a policy it has been pressed to adopt whilst taking mildly a party which would carry out State ownership in all directions without any pressure whatsoever We are, etc., N.Z. WELFARE LEAGUE. Wellington, 9th August.