THE PRESS AND "VESTED INTERESTS"

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23492, 5 May 1938, Page 17

THE PRESS AND "VESTED INTERESTS"

TO THE EDITOR

Sir,—l wonder how many citizens understand what our Labour politicians mean by "vested interests." In addressing their supporters it is really amusing to note the amount of fierce oratory these politicians use in attacking "vested interests," and in abusing the press for protecting the subject of their wrath. To the ignorant, unthinking listener, they imply that " vested interests " represent some dark, mysterious amalgamation of wealthy people working unscrupulously to keep down the working man and to deprive him of his rights; but they are very vague concerning the identity of the component parts of this financial octopus. I was born in Dunedin. but was not a fortunate son of wealthy parents. I have had to battle my way through life with my full share of ups and downs, troubles and disappointments; but I was never fortunate, or unfortunate, enough to come in contact with this dire bogey called "vested interests," and I have been driven to the conclusion that the term "vested interests," as used by Labour orators, can mean only the general body of the public opposed to the Labour platform. As a matter of fact, this constant fight so strenuously waged by our Labour orators against " vested interests" is the most .superb example of "shadow-sparring" I have come across. There is this difference, however, that the poor, maligned press of this country suffers the blows aimed at the bogey. I do not contend that there are no real " vested interests" in New Zealand. As a matter of fact, they are as numerous as the supporters of Labour. His Worship the Mayor holds "vested interests" in the property he owns. Every worker, who has secured a workers' home ha.s a " vested interest" in that home. Does he want it confiscated, or does he want the assistance of the press to protect it? • There is no doubt that many socalled Labour politicians are Communists at heart, whose aim is to confiscate all " vested interests." and have absolute'State ownership. The press of New Zealand is fighting against this movement; and I have no doubt whatever that many Labour politicians, unconsciously inspired by their Communist friends, are abusing the press without realising the actual position.

I have no hesitation in expressing the opinion that the great majority of the workers would much prefer to relain the "vested interests" they possess in the homes they have worked for; but in their ignorance they, and probably many of their leaders, are blindly supporting an insidious movement to confiscate all "vested interests" and institute a Russian form of State ownership. How many desire this? If they could only rea'ise it, the first step towards Bolshevism is to " muzzle " the press; and, if we are to retain the British freedom that is our birthright, it behoves us, one and all, whether so-called capitalist or worker, to join in resisting this insidious movement to restrict the liberty of free comment that the press of the whole British Emoire has hitherto enjoyed I am, etc., New Zealandcr.