A NEW POLICY

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 78, 29 September 1933, Page 8

A NEW POLICY

ON NON-PARTY LINES

NEEDS OF THE COUNTRY

The sinking of party feelings in the interests of the country was urged by Mr. W. A. Vciteh (Government, Wanganui) in the House of Kepresentatives this morning. He urged the necessity for a non-party policy, which would meet the needs of all sections of the community. "Tho political situation of this country, as I see it, is a very difficult one," said Mr. Veitch. "The problems facing the country aro very great, and I sineorely' believe that they cannot bo remedied by the ordinary process of tho party struggle in the House. At tho present moment I am standing in the position of one who is prepared to throw party to the wind, and I am prepared to vote to bring, about at tho earliest possiblo moment, and as completely as possiblo, a new non-party policy, which will not put the needs of one section of the community against the needs of another section. We must do away with any suggestion of classconsciousness and place the national welfare in the forefront. That cannot bo achieved by deposing ono class-con-scious Government and replacing it with another class-conscious Government." Mr. H. G. K. Mason (Labour, Auckland Suburbs): Here comes tho Legion! Mr. Veitch: We must rise much higher than that, or fail entirely to. do our duty to the people. We must rise above sectional feelings and treat the problems of the country: nationally. Mr. A. 'M. Samuel . (Government, Thames): Hear, : hear. : Mr. Veitch: How can this Parliament meet tho situation? It can meet the situation by adopting a rational policy that will meet the needs and requirements of all sections of the people-in substitution for the present disastrous class-conscious policy. ; Surely there is enough statesmanship in ~ this Houso to enable •us to abandon these ■ little petty party, squabbles; • Mr. Veitch said: there was a suggestion of a clash between,town and country interests. He had met evidence in various parts, of the country that the Government's policy was such as. to givo rise to; a feeling: of rankling as between country settlers and town dwellers, and ho believed if members did their utmost to steer clear of such a feeling they would earn more respect throughout the country than they would by following; any other course. The only way they could do that was by endeavouring to get the Government to adopt a broader outlook. He was sure that the city people, had no desire to come into conflict with their country neighbours.