THE ECONOMIC FRONT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23672, 2 December 1938, Page 5

THE ECONOMIC FRONT

10 THE EDITOR Sir,—Since October 15 have you not noticed a more chastened tone in the speeches of Labour members? Does this mean a change of heart, Sir? One could almost believe that Ministers were becoming a little alarmed at the financial position. The Rev. Mr Scrimgeour (that astute lecturer) on Sunday night in his song recital announced the theme, which is that all must work and not loaf on the job. Mr D. Sullivan at Aranui preached on the same subject, and now Mr P. Webb at the Coast is labouring the same point. These speeches might have been made by Nationalist speakers, for their creed is “ work.” But what has become pf the insulation policy? Export values are dropping both in price and quantity. Surely this is the time to “ insulate ” the country, and not wait till the bad times come. It is good propaganda to say that having won the elections fight they must now go on and win the economic fight now National Government left large reserves In each department and large London balances, and, as we know, the year 1938 was a record year for productions. Has all that money gone, arid what is there to show for it? An empty Treasury, industrial unrest, and capital nervous and inclined to leave the country. It is no good saying that it is the wicked capitalist that has caused this position. Is it not their own mistaken policy that is causing the. trouble? If ever there was a time for,, Mr Nash to work his miracle of “insulation.” it iS now. Butter and lamb are dropping in both% price and quantity. And it isn’t playing the game to try and blame the Opposition for the present impasse. The Labour Party have had big majorities in both Parliaments; they say they have a remedy. Well, let’s have it.—l am, etc., Curious. November 29.