CRITICAL M.P.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19312, 30 April 1937, Page 13

CRITICAL M.P.

"TRIPS TO ENGLAND"

3 MINISTERS IN LONDON

"During the last election campaign 'trips to England' agitated the political atmosphere like 'chasers' on the moviepicture screen. The Labour Tarty docs not talk that way now," said Mr. O, O. Mazcngarb, who presided over a meeting in Wellington addressed by Air. VV. A. Bodkin,. ftf.P. for Central Otago. "lias it ever happened before that three of our Cabinet Ministers, each with his own entourage, have visited London together? Mr. Nash went there some months ago as a great inlander, hoping to adjust world markets to suit his modern ideas. If his mission has failed, it were bettor for hiin and for us that ho should come back and say so frankly rather than that he should 'fill in time' dispensing" dinners to State officials in Berlin and arranging to give some trading advantage to Germany. 1 suppose that this 'goodwill' visit to Russia and Germany is a little slap in the face for 'John Bull.' "But the patriotic New Zealander who enjoys the protection of the British Navy will'say: 'Shame on you, Mr. Nash, choosing this year when Britain is concentrating on 'rearmament, and the eve of Anzac" too, for arranging a formula whereby 'Made in Germany' will once more appear on the manufactured goods offered for sale in local shops. "The journeyings of Mr. Nash have plroady used up a. portion of the extra taxation which he imposed last year, but I am sure no taxpayer would object to the expenditure of a few more pounds upon an urgent cable message from the Acting-Primo Minister telling Mr. Nash to shake tho dust of Moscow off his shoes as quickly as possible and not to arrange any agreements with foreign States until he reports to us on the practical results, if any, of his many conversations with the commercial men of England. Resentful of .Criticism "People who read the newspapers have not failed to observe that the Government is resentful of criticism. Groups of workers who criticise have learned to expect a Ministerial tirade in the press next dav. The Hon. Mr. Frflser until recently stood alone, proclaiming 'the eloquence of silence.' But since Mr. Savage went away, Mr. Eraser has dis- ', appointed his friends by 'having his attention drawn' to various press reports I and pouring down maledictions upon the head of anvone who dared to criticise.

"Now, those who understand Mr. Eraser's psychology know that ho is a gentleman and that it is only when be is worried over the; force, of criticism that lie loses his grip and descends to vituperation and abuse. Tho fact that he has now succumbed to the. temptation shows that the Labour .Ministers are on the defensive. A few more political scandals like the housing contracts, the Picot purchase and the Scrimgeour appointment "and they will definitely be 'on the run.'