POLITICAL CRITICISM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23339, 6 May 1939, Page 17

POLITICAL CRITICISM

Sir, —For many years I was a supporter of the Reform Party, and later of the National Party. To many people it is surprising that the leaders of that party and their supporters do not give any constructive criticism. Plenty of criticism there is, but nothing helpful. Much of it seems unfair. To take a few recent examples The newly-appointed British Minister of Agriculture imposed restrictions on imports of lamb, at the same rate 011 each Dominion, and much higher on foreign importations. We are told this was caused by the New Zealand Government. In a recent speech Mr. Doidge appears to consider it mistaken policy to promote secondary industries in New Zealand. In the Manchester Guardian recently there was a long and interesting article about the decision to hold a Pacific Defence Conference, at the request of Mi-. Savage. The writer drew attention to the fact that New Zealand is much more handicapped than Australia in matters of defence, because she has not developed secondary industries, and is therefore compelled td buy all her equipment elsewhere. As most countries at present are rearming, this country's difficulties are obvious. We are told Britain lias not enough equipment for her own territorials. Should war come each country will be working at top speed to produce munitions. We would like to see our Opposition offering every assistance to put New Zealand in a position to do this. Then j\lr. Hamilton blames the Government for the fall in returns for primarv exports. Every dairvfarmer knows' the exceptionally dry season and facial eczema are responsible for lower returns; and those who study the subject know Australia's wool averaged a greater fall in price than New Zealand's; and that the situation in Europe is stated to be the chief cause. In several editorials you blame Mr. Savage, because moro has not been done for defence. Could not the previous Government have trained men in relief camps, or had them prepare aerodromes? The Labour Government, very soon after taking office, consulted experts in England as to the best means of defending New Zealand, and on their advice and that of several highlyqualified men who have come to this country at the request of our Government, the present forces are being built up. Major-General Duigan is an efficient and experienced officer, and no doubt has been able to advise the Government how to advance on sound lines. ' Farmer's Wife.