THE LABOUR PARTY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23505, 20 May 1938, Page 6

THE LABOUR PARTY

TO THE EDITOH

Sir, —In this morning’s issue of your paper “Another Critic ” referred to “ the Socialists’ intention of ultimately converting the Dominion into an independent godless community.” Now, this is an excellent example of what another correspondent calls “ lying misrepresentation.” Does “Another Critic ” think the general public so devoid of reason and common sense as to be taken in by such unmitigated nonsense? I challenge him to produce a proof of his statement. Has any member of the Labour Party ever said anything that would lead the public to believe that its aim was to make New Zealand “an independent godless community”? And of whom are we to be independent? Britain, no doubt. I wonder if “Another Critic” listened in to Mr Nash’s speech the other night. If he did so, he was doubtless asleep when Mr Nash referred to the motion passed in the House shortly after the Coronation of King George VI and when he mentioned his hatred of the type of Government in existence in Russia. . . It was very noticeable that Mr Nash s speech was free from scurrilous attacks on the policy of the Opposition, This is quite understandable, of course, because Mr Hamilton and his followers have yet to disclose the fact that they have a policy. Mr Nash’s reference to the distribution of a pamphlet throughout the Hutt district shortly before his address will show the sort of thing to which the Nationalists descend. It appears that they will have recourse to any means, fair or foul, to attain their ends. The Dunedin public, however, knows that from the recent municipal elections. Another correspondent, under the heading of “Russian Tactics.” attacks the Labour Party and signs himself “Anti-Communist,” thus identifying the Labour movement with Communism and Russia, and thereby displaying his complete ignorance of what Communism really it. Communists have recourse to force, violence and bloodshed to bring about their reforms, so that the New Zealand Labour Party is no more Communist than the National Party is.—l am. etc.. Oamaru, May 18. Gracchus,