COUNTRY QUOTA

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 225, 20 June 1944, Page 4

COUNTRY QUOTA

Public Opinion As Barrier To Change Dominion Special Service. CHHISTOirUROH, June 79. , The opinion that “the Government is determined to alter the rules” in an “attempt to save its own skin” was. expressed by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Holland', in a reference to the country quota in an address in Christchurch. He said that the Opposition could not prevent it, but that public opinion could. Mr. Holland 1 said (New Zedlajid’s economy was built on primary production. At least half New Zealand’s standard of living came from overseas, all the metals they needed, rubber, cotton, silk, and oil came from overseas. Before they could be imported New Zealand had to export primary products. For that, reason it had always been considered that the primary producers should have adequate representation in Parliament, which was achieved by the country quota.. As a result, there was a balance which had been so perfect that when the people wished- to make a change they had been able to do so, as they had done in 1035. “Now the Government sees the writing on the wall; anyone can see it,” said Mr. Holland. . Mr. Holland said it was not in the interests of New Zealand to have a Government dominated by the cities. In the last eight years there had been a trend in favour of the cities, and the results -were apparent. They could not blame any country worker if he left bis employment for a better-paid job in town. “It would be.a colossal disaster to the economy of New Zealand and to the. security and happiness of its people if the basis of the economic structure were destroyed,” said Mr. Holland. “If they chisel into the foundation the whole structure will come down. Thirty-three men cannot beat 45; they can give them a good run for their monev; but in the end they will get beaten. Only one thing can stop this thing happening, and that is a healthy public opinion.”