‘Overseas Investment’

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31085, 14 June 1966, Page 16

‘Overseas Investment’

Sir,—Regarding the American land bid, I am now learning the words to “God Bless America.” The way things are going, the Government might let the rest of the country go. Tell me where Mr Lake will do more fancy borrowing from to pay their profits in dollars. Why cannot the Government pay the Maoris the same for it? If the purchase price is high its only part of what their ancestors should have had. Lord Thomson was knocked back on his bid for a few buildings, but because of the Yankee dollar they can have 60,000 acres, for a start. Furthermore, they make our farmers look real good: can’t work their own land.—Yours, etc., R. SAXON. June 11, 1966.

Sir, —Taupo-Rotorua Federated Fanners did right to express concern at the possibility of American interests buying land in New Zealand. American capital is already heavily invested in this country and we should protest vigorously at this further act of naked imperialism; once the camel is in the tent he is hand to remove without serious disruption. We should learn from history—in par-

ticuTar the history of absentee landlordism in Ireland and other countries—and colonialism.—Yours, etc., ONE OF THE WORLD’S WORKERS. June 13, 1966.