AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT.

Southland Times, Issue 22731, 6 November 1935, Page 11

AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT.

To the Editor.

Sir, —Your footnote to my letter was correct. Farmers received, a 12) per cent, rebate on country rates before last election after which it mysteriously disappeared. However, it again appeared before this election, to impress farmers. Just like feeding pigs to keep them quiet and prevent them breaking out of the sty before the election is over. I call it vote-buying.

You say that the numerous Government advertisements concerning improvements and reductions are not meant to influence votes. Why are they necessary just before the election and not at other times? Before I returned my telephone, I was informed there would be no reductions, and very likely an increase, but the election was not due then.

“Peter Simple” has sized me up as quoting silly untruths concerning borrowing, balanced budgets, and economies, etc., so to improve my knowledge on these matters and to get the dinkum oil, I read the address of the National candidates as published on the same date as “Simple Peter s letter.

Mr T. Golden is reported as saying: During the last four years the Government has reduced borrowing very considerably, only £6,655,475 having been borrowed in that period. Prior to 1931 money had been borrowed at an average rate of £4,000,000 a year. He also stated that the deficit for 1931-32 was £8,000,000. Mr J. Hargest also quoted figures at Winton that did not show an average surplus for the last four years. . Internal earnings and exports during the depression dropped in value approximately 35 per cent., and the Government assisted by collecting nearly 50 per cent, more taxes from the struggling people. . Of course, borrowing was restricted (no one would lend any more), the “Financial Hokonui” was not available or there would not have been so much abstinence. Borrowing is not necessary when “Honest George” can peg the exchange down until such time as the Government’s requirements are met,' take over the gold in the banks at a profit (the loss on mortgages was not taken over), have a voluntary but very compulsory loan conversion with dates of maturity put well beyond the dates of death of most of the holders, and generally act like a very, cheeky bankrupt in taking over the creditors affairs and realizing on them. As regards leg-pulling I would suggest that “Peter Simple” watch his legs and see that they are firmly fastened on or some of the Nationalists might pull them right off.—l am, etc.,

WIREWHISKERS.