POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE COMING ELECTIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25302, 12 August 1943, Page 7

POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE COMING ELECTIONS

Sir,—” Countryman ” is wide of the mark in his letter and so I must draw his attention to the matter in which he faces difficulty. A “one-party" government will tend to totalitarianism, and this is the reason behind the Peoples’ Movement in its endeavours to bring about, not a party Government, blit an independent Government—a management committee, elected on broad fundamentals in community interests only, not sectional in- " Countryman ” talks of vote splitting. The cry that another candidate splits the vote is—an empty can, noisy but empty. Must we waste our voting rights, because an opposition which has miserably failed, decides itself in its egotism that it alone should be considered of all the Dominion. Better fight hard, and if necessary, long, towards final victory rather than accept a luke-warm robot! A party machine devoid of all human considerations, except as these are within. sectional interests! Again, the Peoples’ Movement, is not necessarily anti-Labour, We are Do-minion-minded, and this includes all sects and sections of the whole community. We are only anti-those matters and actions and thoughts, that are not in the interests of the community as a whole. The manner in which party can think party only is shown by a National member ot Parliament who this week is in town saying he knows that the Peoples’ Movement is a branch of the Labour Party. Would this member stake Ills seat against the truth of his statements? Let us get away from the professional politician and get into close contact with honest endeavour. Our country is young and has a great future ahead. For us to neglect it to the spoilers would be forsaking the very things for which our boys are overseas to fight. It is everybody’s duty to everybody, Those who shirk a thoughtful interest will play the spoilers’ game.—l am, etc.,’ R. A. Wilkie. Dunedin, August 10. Sir,—Since the publication of Mr Downie Stewart’s learned statement in favour of party politics, many correspondents have endeavoured to differ with one or another of the many points made by this able statesman. If all the aspirants for political honours had this gentleman’s ability I would have no fears for the future of our democracy, but I am very much afraid that Mr Downie Stewart has based his statement on this erroneous belief. Read the list of candidates. How many men of outstanding business ability and integrity can you find? Party politics has become such a racket that the type of man who should predominate in the list is missing because he refuses to be an Aunt Sally for the rrtud-slingers of the opposing factions. The development of a multiplicity of parties Is a sign that the electors are becoming cognisant of the fact that they have been gulled into voting, for one of two evils. Perhaps the day is not far distant when brains will again be at a premium instead of a loud voice, and politics will be a business instead of a game.—l am. etc., Norman Long’s Party.