PARK LAND TRANSFER

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23257, 19 July 1945, Page 6

PARK LAND TRANSFER

Sir. -The Rev. Clyde Carr is reported as saying that the referendum had not changed his convictions, but he would remain neutral when the matter again came before the Lands Committee —as far as possible. If he were called upon to give evidence he would be against the proposal. Thus Mr Carr's attitude may be interpreted: "I am neutral 'the recent vote compels me to say this), but if I am asked by the 'Noes’ to give evidence 'and, of course, I will be) I will be against the great majority.” As Parliamentary representative for Timaru Mr Carr is not competent to express a contrary opinion on a matter that has received the affirmation of the electors by popular vote. Only if he dissociates himself and figures as * private citizen pleading against the peoples' mandate is he entitled to present a negative case. If Mr Carr elects to flv in the face of a majority democratic pronouncement he must be satisfied that his seat is exceptionally secure. A Hospital Board member pertinently asks: “What has the Labour Party to say about the matter?” If the local organisation cannot or will not interpret and appreciate the referendum figures, and consequently declines to instruct Mr Carr to act, according to these figures, it is not fulfilling its function a.s a democratic body.—l am, etc.. R. W. Andersnn.

Sir.—Judging by the progress made towards carrying the clearly-expressed wishes of a considerable majority of electors into effect, it becomes evident that vacillation, hedging and sidestepping are sufficiently incorporated with our much-vaunted democratic system of control to reduce it to fiasco level. In respect of the proposed transfer of a plot of land from one public body to another the sanction of the public to proceed with the transfer was constitutionally obtained. Yet a few have adequate influence to nullify the referendum, postpone the possibility of lessening risks to health incurred by nurses seeking their quarters in weather as recently experienced, and generally give the impression that the body of electors who favoured the transfer are devoid of the intelligence necessary to record their votes. —I am. etc., G. Vaughan Hooper.