ELECTION AFTERTHOUGHTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27259, 9 December 1949, Page 9

ELECTION AFTERTHOUGHTS

Sir,—l would suggest that " Business Man " Is no business man, or he would not waste time writing such trash. After 14 years of unbusinesslike methods and mismanagement, we are going to have some freedom in this country—not for three years, as he suggests, either, but a time when men and women can buy what they want and not be told to get a licence before they can buy many of the things that go to make life worthwhile.

Let me remind ” Business Man ” that his beloved Socialist Government has run its race. The people of this country showed only too well on November 30 that they had “ had it,” and wanted no more of Government controls or State ownership. Like most of those who went to vote, I am looking forward to some good and sane Government in the years that are ahead, in which " Business Man ” and all others will be happy.—l am, etc., Not a Business Man. Clinton.

Sir, —I was amazed to read Mr Gerald Lyon’s remarks as reported under the heading “ Unkind .Propaganda.” Is he concerned only with the alleged unhappiness caused by Labour propaganda? Did the National Party’s propaganda machine, which repeated the fable that Labour, if returned, would do away with the right of inheritance, not worry the people. Did the untruth that Labour would confiscate people’s homes and land, or that the freedom of religion was at stake in this election, not worry the people and cause them unhappiness? Under Labour’s rule over the past 14 years freedom from want and freedom of religion reached an all time high record and Mr G.' Lyon knows this full well. I would suggest that Mr Lyon do two things before he leaves Dunedin — first, look up the National Party advertising propaganda, and then have a look in the mirror.—l am, etc., O Wad Some Power.

Sir, —Allow me to express my ingratitude to a few of our Labour representatives whom we did feel sure were out to serve our country and people. One thing that impressed me was that they showed no signs of giving up their iob prior to the election for a well-deserved and much-neded holiday: but because of defeat they have suddenly discovered that they would like to go fishing and shooting. Another remarked that the change did not come too soon, and still another said he was in need of a good rest. It seems to me that after all we are very fortunate that they did not collapse on our hands before their campaign was over.

I would like to commend our defeated Minister of Oamaru who, up to the present, has taken it fairly He may be weighing up things in a more reflective way. I .would like to suggest to him that should he find difficulty in deciding on a new job there is ample scope in our fair land for him to reconsider his former ministry, and once more go forward in greater zeal and determination and preach the old, old story which he once proclaimed. Surely if our ingoing Government members have been, and are, such twisters and promise-breakers as we have all heard about, there is a great need for a true and faithful man to try and reach and convert them ere it is too late.

I hope that our Dunedin Labour members will not be guilty of expressing themselves in the same terms as* some of their comrades have done. It is no disgrace to be beaten, but it is a shame to lay down the armour because their country wanted a little change. I would suggest to them to be cheerful and work harder and serve their supporters if they expect us to return them by and bye.—l am, etc.. Cheer-up.