THE LABOUR GOVERNMENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22488, 4 August 1936, Page 13

THE LABOUR GOVERNMENT

Sir, —Please allow me to endorse the sentiments of Mr. J. Guiniven and permit me to further state that with trifling exceptions the only direct means by which a Government can promote improved production and distribution of wealth is by affording complete security to person and property. Whenever it actively interferes, however plausible the motive, with the natural course of trade and industry, such interference is almost always mischievous. Left to themselves, buyers and sellers, producers and consumers, importers and exporters, capitalists and wage-receivers, all find out by long experience and by constant search after new modes of gain, the best conditions under which they can make these interchanges of which trade consists, and of which the individual profit oonstitute the aggregate profitstof the community. Undoubtedly, it is within the province of government to prohibit adulterations, to punish frauds, and to enforce contracts. These, however, are mere police duties indispensable to the security of person and property. These only define what shall not be done, but do not prescribe how producers shall do the work which they have to do. Of that the producers themselves are the best judges. AV. A. Baker. Sir, —A very large number throughout the Dominion who realise the necessity for a change of Government feel that the National Party, as at present constituted, is not going to provide any hopeful alternative. The question of leadership must bo settled satisfactorily and it is patent to everyone that neither of the two present leaders, nor any member of the last Cabinet, will bo acceptable to the people. That fact must bo realised and it is no use attempting to disguise it. I am quite sure that in the ranks of the Opposition there can be found a leader who will command the support of the electors and the ambitions of unsuitable gentlemen must not bo permitted to stand in the way. Elkctoh.