THE STATE’S “MUST"

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 25 May 1945, Page 2

THE STATE’S “MUST"

GROWTH QF A HABIT For a long time the people have been asking.- Will there be a loosening of Government controls when Peace finally comes? It is obvious that war-time necessity has resulted in restrictions and controls which the people have borne cheerfully. But a feeling has developed that the many persons whose job it is to authorise and a<Jjninister the restrictive measures will not "let go" without a >-,ood deal of persuasion. The failure of 'he Government to relax anv worth-while controls since VE-Day. and their obvious reluctance to name controls that they intend to cancel, justifies the fear that few of these will be abandoned. The Labour Government, having tasted many new spheres of State control. will endeavour to justify all of them because they are so many steps achieved towards complete State control of industry, distribution and transport. Instead of loosening controls the Government is increasing them. The Government's real aim is indicated by its decision to acquire the Bank of New Zealand. This is not a war measure. It is not a financial necessity. It i promises no public benefits It will not. help the Bank's customers. It is a i flagrant measure of State control-- 1 for the sake of State control, and for; the sake of more State control in the future. The average man and woman may i not be interested in the Bank of New Zealand.* But they are interested in their right to choose the job they prefer. iO live where they like, to buy the: things they fancy, and to control their j own money. State control of banking means State control of everybody s | jobs, businesses, and finance—and State i control in New Zealand means Trades Hall control. The public should protest and declare: l4:i\r the • Bank alone.” *