Politics And Public

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 144, 14 March 1939, Page 11

Politics And Public

Sir, —'“.Square Deal,” of New Plymouth, directs attention to the undignified verbal brickbats flying about the political arena. If Mr. Savage.persists in refusing to take electors into his confidence, then naturally the present feeling of uncertainty that breeds bitterness and shatters confidence will prevail. Abraham Lincoln said: “I have faith in the people. Let them know the truth and the country is safe.” Incidentally, all that the man in the street in this Dominion wants to know is the real position regarding the country. It must be generally recognized that the final test of policy i s efficiency and increased production at moderate cost. With the present shrinkage in production the Government would be wise to consider whether for the time being social security should not ibe subordinated for the greater urgency of the Dominion’s defence. It does not seem possible with the present economic outlook to launch social security and adequate national defence without added costs to employees and employers, which would mean a further rise in cost of living. It is not a question of whether the social security scheme is good or bad. but what the Dominioin with its small population can afford. Isn’t it time for the Government to be more frank and “have faith in the people,” and thus help to restore confidence by checking the tail spin? The question under review is too important to be a plaything for party politics or satire. —I ■trm, etc., T. A. FRASER. ' Wellington, March 13.