GALLUP POLL REVEALS AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC AGAINST TAKING BANKS

Wanganui Chronicle, 3 October 1947, Page 5

GALLUP POLL REVEALS AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC AGAINST TAKING BANKS

' N.Z.P. A.— Reuter—Copyright.) ; T , Sydney, Oct. 1. In the past fortnight the Australian [Gallup Poll has asked a representaitive cross-section of the people throughout, all six States how they I would vote at a referendum on nationalising the banks. The result Is:— 63 per cent, oppose nationalising the trading banks. 23 per cent, favour it. 14 per cent, have not made up their minds. People of all circumstances, occupations and creeds were interviewed, tn about the same proportions as they exist in the population. It is highly significant that 42 per cent, of th e people who voted Labour a year ago say they oppose Implementing their party's plank of nationalising the trading banks. Only 38 per cent, favoured it; the other 20 per (cent, at’e undecided. I Of Liberal-Country Party voters only 3 per cent, favour Government ownership of the banks. (The Question ; The poll was taken in the course of | a normal. Gallup survey, in which I each person was asked to express [opinions on ten topical questions. The inquiry on banking read: “With regard to the Federal Government's proposal to nationalise the privately owned trading banks; if it came to a referendum would you vote for or against the Government taking over all the trading banks?" Analysis of answers, according to the occupations of the bread-winners of the households, emphasised the widespread nature of the opposition

Intensity Th e intensity with which people hold their opinions on this question is important, so each person interviewed was asked: “How strongly do you fee! about ownership of the banks—very strongly, fairly strongly, or not At all strongly?” Fifty-fiv e per cent, feel very strongup; 23 per cent, fairly strongly; and 22 per cent, not at all strongly. Reasons It would take away lhe people's freedom," and ‘lt would give the Government too much power over finances" are remarks typical of the opposition. Another frequently expressed attitude is: "Competition gives tiie best service; no Government monopoly." Most of the minority vote for nationalisation is based on the belief that it would prevent a depression. Others said they thought it would make borrowing cheaper and that the public would benefit.

to a Government monopoly of banking: By Occupations OpIn Undeposed favour cided p.c. p.c. p.c. Professional and executive 87 7 6 Farm owners 86 7 7 Clerks, shophands . .. 71 20 9 Skilled workers 56 27 17 Semi-skilled 51 30 19 Unskilled 45 35 20 Full cross-section . .. 63 23 14 Separate calculation of the answers in the six States provides further evidence of the strong opposition By States OpIn Undeposed favour cided p.c. p.c. p.c. New South Wales .. 57 27 16 South Australia 63 19 18 Victoria 65 22 13 West Australia 68 22 13 Queensland 71 15 14 Tasmania 79 16 5 All States 63 23 14 Opposition came almost equalb' from men and women. Swing of Opinion Comparison with a similar Gallup Poll a year ago shows that public opinion ha s swung sharply against nationalisation since the Government announced its plans —.■ ?ear Opinion Ago today Opposed SO 63 In favour ... 32 23 undecided 18 14