LABOUR POLICY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22470, 14 July 1936, Page 11

LABOUR POLICY

AMERICAN CRITIC REPLY BY MR. SAVAGE PROBLEMS NOT COMPARABLE [by TELEGRAPH —OWN correspondent] WELLINGTON, Monday "My attention has been drawn to the statement made in Auckland by Dr. William Bennett Munro, until recently professor of history and government at the Harvard University," remarked the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, to-day. "In speaking from an ocean liner safely berthed in Auckland Harbour, without full knowledge of the facts, Dr. Munro is reported to have said the Government of New Zealand was attempting too much in its efforts to improve the living conditions of the people, and that its legislation to control hours and wages was going to lead the Dominion into financial difficulties." Mr. Savage said one would expect that a desire to practise the rules of common courtesy and fair play would have been sufficient to induce ' Dr. Munro at least to become acquainted with the facts before condemning the policy of the Government of another country, of which he must know very little. ' " A knowledge of New Zealand conditions might help Dr. Munro to understand that the nature and magnitude of the problems of New Zealand and of the United States are not comparable," continued Mr. Savage. " For that reason alone it is not correct to say that the American Government has tried to do much the same thing under the National Recovery Act and has failed. We are not following in the footsteps of those who were responsible for the National Recovery Act. much as we admire the courage and the big-heartedness of those who at least tried to deal with America's problems. We are just trying to carry out the mandate given us hr the New Zealand people, without any interruption by visiting professors." In an interview on the Monterey on Friday Dr. Munro said: —"Too much is being attempted by the Labour Government of New Zealand in its efforts to improve the living conditions of the people. Its legislation to control hours and wages is going' to lead it into financial difficulties. Under the National Recovery Act the Government of the United States tried to do much the same thing, but now the attempt in that direction has been abandoned. " I do not think very well of the Labour Government of New Zealand. I have watched events in this country and have observed what the Government is doing. It is going to get into difficulties. 1 do not think it can control the economic affairs of the country to the extent it is trying to do."