Between Ourselves

Northland Age, Volume XVI, Issue 16, 22 November 1946, Page 3

Between Ourselves

Dear Fellow Elector, You are no doubt tired of the sound of the word Politics, and will be pleased when the election is over . The issues at stake, however, are so vital that full consideration should be given to every aspect of what it involves before you cast your vote. Let me introduce myself to you. I am not an extremist at either end of the political scale. Like most of us, I want to do the right thing at this election, and, from the cloud of radio, newspaper, and speechifying chaff to find the grains of truth to guide me in recording my vote on November 27. I feel safe in assuming that 90 per cent of the population, under the present Government, have enjoyed better conditions, taking into consideration the impact of war on the community, which had so marked an effect on our national economy and daily life. “A p plied Christianity " Let us view for a moment the Social Security scheme. Under this humanitarian scheme fear of want has been banished, and the benefits are being extended from time to time, one of the most recent of which is the institution of the family benefit whereby 10 -in respect of each child is paid direct to the mother. The National Party has stated all the benefits under the Social Security scheme will be maintained. But is it not logical to take it for granted that the Party that introduced this beneficial legislation will administer it in the spirit that gave it birth, and that the Party that violently opposed it will administer it in anything but a friendly manner? In announcing the proposed measures the then Prime Minister, the late Michael Joseph Savage, said the legislation was “applied Christianity.” I agree with the remark of the late Mr. Savage, and I am sure also that every thoughtful Christian will view it in the same light. Will You Betray Captain Rushworth? It is my firm belief that the recent acquisition by the State of the Bank of New Zealand is a vital factor in a sound and adequate money system. As an important adjunct to the New Zealand Reserve Bank it has greatly strengthened our entire banking system—a banking system which first and always should be administered in the interests of the country as a whole. You will remember how ably the former member for the Bay of Islands, Captain Rushworth, dealt with this question. The proposal of the National Party to hand back the Bank of New Zealand to private ownership would be a great betrayal of the people and of Captain Rushworth’s far-sighted views. I hope you will never give your support to this retrograde step. Whatever are your political views, I am convinced you will be prepared to admit that no Government could do more for the education of your children than the present Government is doing. The Government realises the children have a right to a higher standard of education and is seeing they get it. My fellow elector, just think the matter over quietly, and ask yourself : “Taking into consideration the aftermath of the war—what can the National Party give or do for us that the present Government is not doing?” The Burden of Taxation In the brief space at my disposal I have only been able to touch in the sketchiest manner a few of the achievements of the Labour administration which has been so successful in promoting the general welfare of all sections of the nation. High taxation has been mentioned; but you know, as well as I do, that any reduction in that direction can only, with safety to our economic stability, lie carried out slowly and progressively, and there is no reason to suppose that the present Government will not ease the nation’s burden in that respect at as early a date as safety renders justifiable. Measure up what the Opposition did in the many years (both good and bad) they were in power, and compare it with what the Labour Party has done, and what are its plans for the future. A political party or a man must be judged by its or his past—there is no other yardstick. Again, we must not allow at any cost % barrier to be built between the farmer and the wage earner. We each have our troubles and ambitions, and it is only by united effort and co-operation that further advancement can be made. United practically nothing is impossible; divided .means stagnation and petty discord. Now Then, What of the 27th? The election takes place on the 27th. What are you going to do? Are you going to be swayed by the promises of the National Party and the unfounded threats of what will happen if they are not placed in power, or will you place your confidence in the progressive policy of the present Government which we know, and vote Labour ] I feel confident after viewing the position from all angles your intelligence will guide you in the direction of progress. Yours sincerely, A Political Pilgrim