Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star TUESDAY, APRIL 6th, 1920. THE OPPOSITION PROGRAMME.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 April 1920, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star TUESDAY, APRIL 6th, 1920. THE OPPOSITION PROGRAMME.

In the interview with which the leader of the Oppocitiop (Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald) favored the Guardian Wellington correspondent, and which was published in Saturday’s issue, there was an outline of the Opposition programme fur next session of Parliament. Mr MacDonald if he practices what he preaches should make father an ideal lender of ELM. Opposition. His jpptto is to criticise, rather than to oppose,

to amend rather than to block legislation. An Opposition maintained on such lines will be an acquisition to the Government, and give them a more easy and comfortable run. It lias to be recalled, however, that Mr MacDonald will lead a party much curtailed in strength and their forte will certainly be best maintained in criticism rather than direct opposition, for the reason that their voting power in the latter respect will not be carious enough to

make much headway. It has fo be borne in mind also, that the Government has not as yet put forward its policy for the forthcoming session, and till that is revealed it will not be known what call there will he for vexatious opposition. The Government is so strongly entrenched that r or the time being it can afford to treat the situation somewhat hautily —and it is

doing so. Mr Massey, for instance, is proceeding as leisurely as lie likes in constituting the new Cabinet and the duty is not accomplished vet. The j delay in this respect is his excuse for neglecting to formulate a programme for Parliament. Hje is imaging fho pace to suit himself and those .outside the party in power have got to accept the position, and permit the Premier to work liis own free will. However Mr MacDonald in the interview referred to. gives Mr Masse v an opening t fo move, for lie states that lie hopes to see all party bitterness and all factious Opposition laid aside. Tile leader of the Opposition recognises that there are grave responsibilities rest-

ing on the present Parliament, and for I'is part ind liis party he indicates very plainly a. preparedness to help the Government discharge those responsibilities This is ns generous as it is just, and shows that Mr MacDonald is prepared to make a very good beginning. If the Government will give the lead : it should it will have cordial support , in regard to social questions which ’ tire in need of special attention. Mr ! MacDonald in a. progressive liberal, and he recognise that there should he a united effort towards increased and more economic production so as to ease up the cost of living. There is room and to spare for all parties to cooperate in this regard, and it should he an encouragement to the Government to take u]) the matter with the knowledge tliat from the Opposition there will he helpful. Hie present leader of the Liberals lias find wide parliamentary experience and his lengthy Ministerial service has given him an insight into matters, which should make him a

useful critic of the constructive rather than the destructive order; ae is a man, not soured by political disappointment, but having a ripe experience of colonial life, who knows the country and its resources, the people and their needs. Judged by his latest remarks he promises to begin as his friends would expect him to begin, and he will “carry on” effectively—of that we have little doubt. /