Socialism Or Liberty Is Election Issue

Chronicle (Levin), 24 March 1949, Page 4

Socialism Or Liberty Is Election Issue

In November the people of New Zealand would have to make a very seriou's decision, whether they were j to have ultimate socialism, or whetner they were going to have free enterprise and the- liberty they were entitled to, said Mr. J. J. Maher, M.P. for, the Otaki electorate, whep speaking at the annual meeting of the Levin branch of the National Party last night. Since the Uabour Party had become the Government in 1935, every piece of iegislation had pointed the way towards socialism, continue'd Mr. Maher. As proof of this statement, he would point out that one of their first acts had to do with the taking over of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. •'Tney eventually took over the Bank. They abolished the country quota — this with one purpose. It was because they knew that the strength of' the National Party lay in the country. Had it not been for this measure, they would not have been the Government today. When I say they took over the Bank of New Zealand, I mean they took it over bit by bit," commented the speaker. "They are taking over as a monopoly the workers' compensation insurance in this. country on April 1. Where 38 companies used to have the insurance and pay promptly and well when a man was hurt, today you will have to get it from a Government department. This will mean delay and formfilling, and unsatisfactory delay in settlement. . "I ean promise you that when we become the Government — as undoubtedly we shall at fhe November elections — we will repeal that Act and send the insurance back to where it belongs," he said. On the subject of M.P.'s superannuation, Mr. Maher said that this scheme would have to be reconsidered. "I believe that no man has the right to fix his owri. remuneration," he commented.