ELECTION SPORT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27157, 12 August 1949, Page 8

ELECTION SPORT

Sir,—An essential of good sport is that both sides should be fairly evenly matched Hence there can be no sport in the coming elections, where one side is so hopelessly outclassed, split from top to bottom by conflict within its own ranks. The Langstone fiasco has made Roskill a sure defeat for Labour, and the same applies (though to a less obvious extent) elsewhere. The attitude of Socialist-dominated Labour organisations on compulsory training shows how hopeless It is to entrust the government of the country to a political group which cannot rely even on its own supporters. The recent disclosures of how the ‘ no overtime ” decision was forced on. the waterside workers by a militant executive show how little freedom and justice the workers can expect from a Government dominated by Left Wing Socialists. The Labour Government, with its internal strife, is incapable of, any. real and lasting solution of our industrial troubles. The National Party has repeatedly said that their fight is not with the trade unionists, but with the Socialists who dominate the unions to serve their own purposes. Surely the solution to most of our disturbances is to restore to the union members, by right of secret ballot, the full control of their own affairs. It is truly said that the only interest the Socialists and fellow-travellers have In Labour, is in the name, which can help them to positions of power, where they can dictate absolutely to employer and worker alike.—l am, etc.. Dad.