BUSINESS MEN ALARMED

Hokitika Guardian, 3 November 1923, Page 1

BUSINESS MEN ALARMED

(“Lyttelton Times.”) Tho formation of a new political party of business men, so far ns the process of formation may have advanced, is an additional proof of the increasing public dissatisfaction with the course of events under Masseyisin. At present the m-w party seems to lie only in the hatching stage, and its first job. if it he serious, will he to obtain seats in tin- House of Representatives. Many of the seats are at present, however, precariously held by their occupants, and would appear to he easily attackaide-. The new party is not yet an imposing organisation, certainly, but the mere fact that such a party is proposed must he taken as a sign of grave distrust of Massevism in business circles. And who can reasonably feel Kiirpriswl 1- Thousnin!> oJ r people in this country, in all circles, who used to regard the so-called Reformers as the saviours of society, and as political purists, have lived to discover that their idols have feet of clay. 'file Alassoyitcs look ollice steeped ill pious pledges. They were going to “reform'’ llu- Legislative Council, com-

pletely overhaul the lisial system, give the country abler finance, cheaper admiiiistratiu. more profitable railways, “(■leaner” polities, and goodness knows what- else, including as a special dish “a square deal” for everybody. Not one of these changes has taken place.

Administration has been characterised by extravagance, taxation has become staggeringly heavy and chaotic, tinrailway management has become a thing of public derision, the policy of spoils to the victors lias been adopted, and as for the promised “square deal.” nobody expects consideration from the present Government who does not make his living out of broad acres. No wonder business folk are discontented. People wlio have knowledge of commercial laws and experience of business conditions are alarmed at the trend of political events. While the trading and industrial community cannot get the Government even to consider the effects of i In- existing incidence of taxation, which is penalising product ion and hindering invest im-iii. the rural people are able to obtain State-run produce, pools and to have every string in the reach of the Government pulled oil their behalf. We have serious doubts whether the meat and dairy pools are really in the best interests of the sections they

are designed to favour—indeed, we are sure that these schemes ale unsound ,and contain possibilities of grave injury to flic pursuits aflerted: hut the Masseyiles have arranged these pools at the behest of interested people and have used the machinery of the Legislature and the Suite in these assaults upon individual rights, eeoiiomi,- laws and just principles. The business people would he eravon if the\ put up very much longer with a svstem which coldly ignores their most vital interests when it does not actually attack them. Yet we think the remedy lie- not ill the formation of still another political group, hut in strengthening the hands of the Liberal I’arty. whose i radii iona l policy is fair deeding to all. and whose positon iit the political i ousiii utioii makes it ihe natural biilfcr between the agrarian syndicalism ol Mas.-eyi-ni and the wild Shi iaii-iu of the Holland group. The Liberal I’artv. as time will show, is the sure protector of the people from the extremists, oil either side the 'extremists who have now joined, from ililFerent motives, in using the State for the compulsory marketing of produce; the extremists, wo may add,who are united in their indifference to the inequitable and blighting ('fleets of the existing method-- ot Luxation, such iis the imposition on the earnings of companies. We are glad to see the dissatisfaction of business men hecomine- articulate, but. we would like i<> see their prote.-t.x take tile practical form of strengthening the Liberal Opposition.