REMOVAL OF SUBSIDIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27386, 11 May 1950, Page 8

REMOVAL OF SUBSIDIES

Sir, —For crafty general attacks whenever his enemies are disorganised, whenever he finds them divided, Mr Holland is not only “ crafty,” as the workers will soon know to their sorrow, but also—and they should be well aware of this—he and his National Party ' are their “ enemies.” The lesson to be learned is that the workers must close their ranks immediately or suffer the consequences. The first two principles of true trade unionism are “ majority rule ” and “ united we stand, divided we fall.” Both these principles are important. The worker* should immediately cease fighting themselves and fight their sworn enemies.—l am, etc., Battleaxe.

Sir.—Now that Mr Holland has dispensed with subsidies on the necessities of life, may I suggest that some consideration be given to the disbursement of public moneys to the farmer: Item 1, subsidies on rail and cartage of lime; item 2, petrol at prices in line with the majority of consumers. A readjustment of these two items alone would mean a considerable saving to the taxpayer.—l am, etc.. More Anon.

Sir,—The profound silence on the part of National supporters and yourself over the new agreement with the watersiders is clear proof that it has found little favour throughout the coutry. The Prime Minister, in expressing thanks for such a settlement, played a very lonely part. Most people want industrial peace and would be anxious to congratulate the Government if they can bring this about, but the price we are asked to pay (abject surrender to the Communistic and militant elements) is just a little too much. It may widen the breach for a time between the watersiders and the Federation of Labour, but that is all. The electors are at last awakening to the fact that Mr Holland speaks with more than one voice. During the election campaign we saw him posing as the strong defender of the rights of the working man. How many times did he use these words: “If any man says we will cut wages he lies ”? We heard this same Mr Holland again last Friday evening, but this time as the willing mouthpiece of the reactionary powers behind the throne. The people will take his message with good grace, for the simple reason it is what they are noted for.

The principle plank in the platform of the National Party was a reduction of taxation. A reduction in taxation simply means Increased spending power for the wealthy sections of the community. The Prime Minister has talked much about the justice and impartiality that will be meted out to all sections by his Government. The wealthier classes can now expect a substantial increase in their spending power at an early date. It remains for Mr Holland and his Government to decide how long the wage and salaried people will have to wait before receiving a corresponding increase.—l am, etc., Commonsense.

Sir,—You publish an Interview with Mr P. G. Connolly, the member elected to represent Dunedin Central. When he had digested the gist of our Prime Minister’s statement on the cancellation of various subsidies, all he had to suggest was that Parliament should be called together at once. My immediate reaction to that was, I am afraid, rather a sardonic laugh that even made the wife jump. For 20 years now, and more, I have advocated doing away with Parliament as it is, and appointing a band of 12 business men, with a chairman, to run this country. As It is, however, fortunately for workers all, we have now an honest Government, which, after three years in office, will prove: its worth, and there will be no hope in 'the world of the people of this country wanting to revert to Socialism. I cannot be the only one who feels a great sense of freedom regained. We have nothing to fear from the cancellation of subsidies. A cost-of-living bonus will be granted to cover any loss, and there will be no delay such as we suffered under the previous regime. For the edification of Mr P. G. Connolly. I predict that in the near future the means test for all ex-soldiers will be cancelled, also for all social security recipients. What a genuine hurrah that will bring forth, with more freedom for everyone. — I am, etc.. G. B. G.

Sir, —We should be grateful to a sane Government for what they have done in making a cut in subsidies. The outlook was bad for future generations, who would have been living up a country up to its” ears in debt. Why subsidise the wealthy firms? They made money during the war. And the farmer received a good price for his wool. We are lucky to have our present Government in power, who will put this country on a sound position and not ruin it. Mothers of young children are moaning' over the- price of butter. Let them cut out the ice , cream and chocolates, and buy more butter, which is better • for the children. —I am, etc., Son of Britain.