GOVERNMENT’S PLANS.

Wairarapa Age, 1 June 1936, Page 4

GOVERNMENT’S PLANS.

BT. HON. J. G. COATES CRITICAL.

“UNTRIED THEORIES.”

AUCKLAND, May 30. “I think you have a very thoroughgoing socialistic programme,” said the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates at a complimentary gathering tendered to Mr. J. N. Massey, formerly member for (Franklin, at Waiuku last night . Mr. Coates emphasised four points of -the Government’s programme—first, socialisation of credit; second, socialisation of the country’s production; third, control of industry and centralised organisation dominated by trades union secretaries; and, fourth, unlimited credit. Mr. Coates said he believed this trend in politics had been brought about by very clever propaganda, which convinced the people that there was starvation in this land of plenty. Instead of this, New Zealand was the happiest country in the world. Everything was to be gained, by giving the people freedom to develop their own industries. The alternative was Socialism—every individual giving his services to the State. “Our people have shown themselves to be attracted by untried theories,” said Mr. Coates, who estimated that £136,000,000 would be available for the Government to call upon from the reserves of the large financial institutions. The result must be a curtailment of credit. “This country, with its tremendous exports and small population, cannot artificially raise prices very much above world levels,” lie declared. Referring to compulsory un.l ionism, Mr. Coates said that those who would benefit most in times of rising prides would be the employers.—(PA)