GOVERNMENT AND CRITICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26918, 2 November 1948, Page 6

GOVERNMENT AND CRITICS

Sir,—To-day the National Party of Dunedin has seen fit to affront the intelligence of the average Dunedin citizen with a pamphlet consisting of 97 per cent, biased, destructive criticism of the present Government: the criticism is directed mainly at those conditions now obtaining, over which neither this Government nor any preceding Governments has had any control: (1) Shortage of electric power—there was a war once, wasn’t there? (2) Coal and gas shortage—of course, the gas company’s equipment is modem and efficient, same as the miners’. (3) Delays—these are world wide to-day. (4) Essential goods in short supply. We don’t do badly, judging by the Labour Day racing expenditure. It seems that Mr Nash does know better how to spend our money. Cost of living has risen more slowly in New Zealand than anywhere else in the world. Freedom of speech—does the National Party intend to “flood the air with Communist, Socialist and Liberal speakers? Monopolies—why can’t we buy benzine from the gas company as fuel? Why can’t commerce manufacture ethyl alcohol for motor spirit? Which is the Government which legislated to protect the AmericanBritish oil combines? What would the National Party do if it were to become the Government? Criticise its opposition incessantly for its previous misgovemment? Many people with similar Ideas have not as yet voted for a Labour Government—l haven’t, but if the National Party doesn’t get more constructive and less destructive—there is always a first time.—l am, etc.. 7281.