THE NEW ZEALAND LEGION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22066, 23 September 1933, Page 9

THE NEW ZEALAND LEGION

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —A circular bearing the name of the secretary of the North Otago (or Oamaru) Division of the New Zealand Legion, dated May 30, and entitled “ Some Thoughts on the Present Economic Depression," is being circulated among legion supporters. ' This circular says; Deflation, such as is herein advocated, would only be of practical achievement if the New Zealand Legion’s aims and objects were first obtained.” It then goes on to advocate “cancellation of 50 per cent, of all public and private debts domiciled in New Zealand, suspension of 50 per cent, of all public and private debts overseas: reduction of all awards and existing wages, salaries, and fees by 50 per cent.. This is a mighty fine policy and one to be proud of, and it deserves more publicity.— I am, etc., . Last Hope. Kurow, September 20.

TO THE EDITOR. Bm,—The report of the address given by Dr Hercus to local members of the legion makes interesting reading and clarifies some points in connection with the policy and purpose of this organisation. Great stress is laid on the need for a reduction in the number of loca bodies in this country, but what would be the result were this object attained. Possibly rates and taxes would be reduced slightly, but unemployment would be increased and the net result would be more deflation. Such a reduction would facilitate centralised control, an object very dear to the real rulers behind the present Government, but it is difficult to see the manner in which the position of the people as a whole would be imPr in fi< connection with provincial finance instances are given of the provinces which fell “victim to the besetting sin of New Zealand and commenced a bor-

rowing policy.” Under our present financial system all money originates as a debt to the banking system. Therefore, in what way other than borrowing could, for instance, the Lyttelton tunnel have been constructed unless the system were changed? And there is no mention of such a change being necessary. Or are we to infer that it would have been better for all were ferry passengers to have to be driven still over the Port Hills in bullock drays, or were we not to be permitted to travel through the country by train. It is plainly evident, to even an infant school child, that tunnels and other public works are built with the labour of men, the use of machines and materials, and not with money, and that the money borrowed to facilitate the work must be, in the final analysis, but a creation, and be merely represented by figures in books. If the objects of the legion are to facilitate the attainment of a policy desired by our financial rulers—and from the article in question it would appear to be so—why does not the legion definitely say so, and all would know where it stood. It seems hardly fair to persuade thousands of well meaning people that its objects are to induce that prosperity and freedom to which the people of this country are justly entitled.—l am, etc., Ivan E. Sutherland. 53 Earl’s road, St. Clair.