FACING A CRISIS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23707, 14 January 1939, Page 9

FACING A CRISIS

TO THE EDITOR

Sir,—This Dominion faces a crisis! The constructive achievement of almost a century the efforts of the sturdy British pioneers, and the wise legislation of former statesmen have become a stake in the hands of political gamblers. The end is only too obvious. The Socialist leader no longer troubles to disguise his aim. He is not troubled with any thought of the wreck and destruction that may mark the road toward his goal. But the whole responsibility cannot be placed upon the Socialists They are blind to reason and bemused with class fever. As representative of those who have a stake in the country and the well-being of it at heart, the National Political Federation must bear a big share of the deadly danger and chaos that threaten. They have adopted an ostrich “ hide-your-head-in-the-sand ” attitude. It ill becomes the responsibility they cannot disclaim. There is time yet to save New Zealand. The way to set about that salvation is not in turning their backs on the coming storm. It is obvious that the country is doomed to suffer economic and financial chaos, and probably disaster unless the reins‘ of Government are placed in hands capable of guiding them properly. That the Socialists hold control by the will of a majority of the electors is not denied. But that means nothing in the face of a threatening disaster No law or political form should hamper a necessary change. Necessity knows no law. The National Political Federation is representative of the sound and sane sections of the community, of the capitalist, great and small They owe a duty also to the working class That duty is to save those people in spite of and against themselves. As a responsible organisation the federation has its duty towards our British creditors. The organisation has sound men in Parliament, and outside there are men ready to accept responsibility and perform the works necessary to cleanse the Dominion of the stain of Socialistic-Communism In Mr J. G. Coates we have the statesman New Zealand needs in this hour of dire need. The way in which a change of Government may be brought about may be left to those with a realisation of the need and the determination to bring the change into

effect. The best procedure from an orthodox point of view or angle is not necessary the promptest. Time is a most necessary—is the most vital factor in the problem of removing or rendering numb the present Government. There are a number of steps that it is possible to take —Australia offers us a precedent. The GovernorGeneral, it is to be presumed, is aware of his duty and his powers, too. There can be no question as to the reaction of the country to a determined move on the part of those who possess the resources and assets of the country. The majority of the working class are now undeceived. The honesty, self-respect, and responsibility of those people find them in open opposition to the Government. The rest —those who still stand with and are one with the Socialist-Com-munist Party—do not count at all The matter put in a few word; may be written thus: Is New Zealand worth saving? If so, the National Political Federation has its task to hand —the hour has struck, arid necessity knows no law. The only enemy in this country is the timidity of the vested interest class. —I am, etc., 583.