TO THE EDITOR

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 11, 16 March 1938, Page 3

TO THE EDITOR

<3» ; FREEDOM. ASSOCIATION Hir, —I am quite surprised to observe that a branch or the above association inis not been formed in Opotiki. 1 am sure that some such association is badly, needed in this district. J am doubtful, however, as to whetuer the Freedom Association quite fills the bill. This association from what one can judge from the, newspapers, has been formed with the sole object of .furthering tile campaign of the. National Party throughout the country. The thing however that amazes me, is the attitude of members of the National Party in' this district. Freedom! They don’t know the first thing about it. The' association is supposed to stand for freedom of thought, freedom of the press, freedom of the air, and-the protection of our wonderful heritage. Yet members of the National Party in Opotiki are doing their best to rob us of our hard-bought freedom. I'ou would think they would welcome political freedom and if anyone-differed from their views, take it in good part. But this is not the case. I have heard a- few of them

express their views in no uncertain terms. Hitler and Mussolini are not in it with some of them. They aie absolutely ruthless in opinion. I am 3. great believer in every section of opinion having a. voice in the affairs of the country, hut some of our National friends are dead against this, and,-at all costs, are out to crush others who do' not hold with their opinions. Humour has it that every attempt is to he made to try and force the Independent candidate out of the field, and our National friends are the chief offenders. Is this freedom ? \\ by should not those who oppose the two extremes of Labourism and Nationalism have a right to exercise their vote against these two parties. -fs far as the farmers are concerned J am definitely convinced that they will get nowhere until they have their own parts and candidates. 31 any Opotiki fanners would welcome a Country Party candidate. I am all out ior freedom of political thought and any form of freedom provided it is in the interests of the country and not definitely harmful. Let ns have a, Freedom Association by all means, hut please let it lie what it stands for nnd not a “blind”. Thanking you. 3L'. Editor, for The use of your valuable space. TTirn FREEDOM.