Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4th., 1918. POLITICS DISCUSSED.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 November 1918, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4th., 1918. POLITICS DISCUSSED.

•Among the principal speakers in tu« Legislative Council last week on the Address-in-Heply, was the Hon. H. L. Michel, one of the Westland representatives lately called to the Upper House. Although lie was in a Chamber which he was once prone to criticise rather pungentlv, Mr Michel from the reports given, of his speech, does not appear to have found himself in a very uncongenial atmosphere. On the contrary, judging by the reports, Mr Michel spoke as would, ho expected of him, very well, and was able to infuse into the debate some fresh colour and views which did not: follow the stereotyped remarks so often to lie hoard in the discussions usually associated with the Governor's Speech. Tt is interesting, in any case, to have Westland again represented in Parliament. Since the absence of tile parliamentary representative on active service, the district has boon without any advocacy in Parliament, Ministers made lavish promises on behalf of Mr Seddon, when our member went away, but the performances have been, conspicuous by their absence. In appointing two representatives to the Upper House there was the hope that the district would not- lit seriously overlooked further. Mr Miiohel has began modestly in drawing attention to one aspect of the district’s interests—mining. He expressed regret at the absence in the Speech of any reference to the encouragement of gold production. Ho believed steps should he taken in this direction to assist in placing the Dominion, in a sound financial position. In referring to prospecting methods, Mr Michel considered that the Mines Department- wasted too much time in the investigation of old workings and exhausted mines, instead of going in for a more speculative and enterprising policy by searching for new fields. A progressive policy has been voiced by Mr Michel, and ns gold is more and more needed by the world, now is the opportunity to press the Government to strike out with a live mining policy to win the wealth stored up in the mineral resources of the country. Probably not much will or can be done while Parliament is in session, but the effort should be made to induce the -Minister of Mines during the recess by conference or other means of investigation, to decide upon practical lines under which a forward policy can he instituted. Mr Michel having put his hand to the plough, will, we hope, not turn back but seek an early opportunity to refer to the question and press the Government to attempt somehing of a practical nature under this bead. On the Speech generally, Mr Michel was able to offer some sensible remarks in review, and even in criticsm of the Government policy. He attributed a good deal of the unpopularity of the National Government to a misunderstanding of the reasons for ac-tions-or inactions in various directions. Had the reason for certain steps taken been explained, there would have been n clearer view of the situation. To that extent the Government was often under a cloud, and very seldom d<they get the benefit- of the doubt-. The time is at hand when more freedom can be shown and if the Ministers take the people into their confidence from the. platform n better understanding might be brought- about. The fnct always stands out—who is to displace the present- leaders. Mr Michel anticipates a coalition party following the present National Government and perhaps that idea will come to pass.