GOVERNMENT PAYS FOR LABOUR PROPAGANDA.

Chronicle (Levin), 22 November 1949, Page 7

GOVERNMENT PAYS FOR LABOUR PROPAGANDA.

AUCKLAND, Nov. 21. "I canuot too strongly condeinn the use of public f unds for what is nothiug less than Partv politieal propagaada, ' ' * said the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Holland, today when discussing the broehure / 1 Hydro-electric Power whieh is now being distributed. The booklet has reached householders in Parnell aecompanied in some cases by leaflets advertising a meeting there tonight by the Minister of Health, Miss Howard, and a campaign cireulai' from Mr. F. W. Schramm, Labour candidate for the electirate. "The decision of the Government to use this' material at election • time at the expense of the publie, is most reycehensible," Mr. Holland commented.^ "I -ried to extract from the Prime _ Minisler a prorui.se that this kind of [jublieity would not be used during the •ampaign. The reason for his refusal i i, agree is now clear. This really is a loviet system — where the Government >ays for* Labour Party publicity and he National. Party pay? for its own." Mr. Holland said that, when his Party .aised the question in Parliament, the rovernment oft'ered to supply it with he sanie material "but it refused to supplv us with pictur'es of the Turakina uul Fordell tunnels being rebuilt, or of the satchel snatching ineid'ent because ir did not suit their hook. Apparently. anv one can have publicity material as oug as the Government prepares it. "