THREE ABROAD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22714, 28 April 1937, Page 12

THREE ABROAD

LABOUB MINISTERS SPIRITED CRITICISM MISSIONS OF MR. NASH "MADE IN GERMANY" AGAIN [by telegraph—own cok respondent] WELLINGTON, Tuesday "During the last election campaign trips to England agitated the political atmosphere like 'chasers' on a moving picture screen, but the Labour Party docs not talk that way now," said Mr. O. C. Mazengarb, when presiding at a meeting addressed by Mr. W. A. Bodkin, M.P. for Central Otago. last night. "Has it ever happened before that three of our Cabinet Ministers, each with his own entourage, have visited London together?" he asked. "Mr. Nash went there some months ago as a great financier hoping to adjust tho world markets to suit his modern ideas," continued Mr. Mazengarb. "if his mission has failed it were better for him, and for us, that he should come back and say so frankly, rather than that he should fill in time dispensing dinners to State officials in Berlin and arranging to give somo trading advantage to Germany. "Made In Germany" "I suppose that this goodwill visit to Ihissia and Germany," said Mr. Mazengarb, "is a little slap in the face for John Bull, but tho patriotic New Zealander who enjoys the protection of the British Navy will say 'Shame on you, Mr. Nash, choosing this year — when Britain is concentrating on rearmament —for arranging a formula whereby "Made in Germany" will once more appear on manufactured goods offered for sale in local shops.' "The journeyings of Mr. Nash havo already used up a portion of the extra taxation which he imposed last year, but I am sure no taxpayer would object to the expenditure of a few more pounds upon an urgent cable message from the acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Eraser, telling Mr. Nash to shake the dust of Moscow off his shoes as quickly as possible, and not to arrange any agreements with foreign States until be reports to us on the practical results, if any, of his many conversations with the commercial men of England. Resentful of Criticism "People who read the newspapers have not failed to observe that tho Government is resentful of criticism. Groups of workers who criticise have learned to expect a Ministerial tirade in the press next day. Mr. Eraser, until recently, stood alone in proclaiming the eloquence of silence, but sitjeo Mr. Savage went away Mr. Eraser has disappointed his friends by 'having his attention drawn' to various press reports and pouring down maledictions upon the head of anyone who dared to criticise. "Those who understand Mr. Eraser's psychology," said Mr. Mazengarb, "know that he is a gentleman, and that it is only when he is worried over the force of criticism that he loscs-his grip and descends to vituperation and abuse. The fact that he has now succumbed to the temptation shows that the Labour Ministers are on the defensive. A few more political scandals like the housing contracts, the Picot purchase and the Scriingeour appointment, and they will definitely bo on the run."