The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY. JUNE 24th. 1925. THE SESSION TO-MORROW.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 June 1925, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY. JUNE 24th. 1925. THE SESSION TO-MORROW.

I'ahi.iamknt is to open to-morrow. The change in the .Ministry oliected hv the late grim visitation, lias altered the complexion! of atl'airs to some extent. lint the alteration does not include any immediate weakeniup, of the (JoVernment. For the moment the Government is as stronp as it has lieen during the present Parliament, with the immediate possibility ot growing stronger still by the fusion overtures. In the short time .Mr Coates has hold the premiership, lie has made pood. His frankness and openness of speech lias won him many admirers, if not friends, and lie .should meet Parliament to-morrow with a pood deal ol inward satisfaction that it will lie possible for him to make pood. With the present negotiations regarding coalition in progress, it will not lie possible for Mr Coates to mould a very definite policy at this stage. The speech of the Governor-General on that account may he, rather colorless. But there are many aspects of internal administration to which reference cm he made, and in regard to which it

would he expected. Mr Coates would he able to enunciate a definite policy. In regard to administration generally, the public expenditure is in need of a i lose overhaul. It would be wise for Xi'w Zealand to follow the load of the Old Country, and set up an independent Economy Committee to go into the matter. A very useful rervico was performed at Home in this respect, and the value could !>o no less material here if the subject «ere handled indcpnedently. Mr Massey tried to effect economies tnroiigh Ministers and departmental heads, and went

some way along the road to economy, but the needs of the country in regard to savings are still great, and a special investigation by a capable committee outside the Government, could tiring down a report of great value to Mr Coates. The country has taken this step in regard to railways and education—seeking outside advice - and that principle applied generally should he no less helpful. The present being the final session of the existing Parliament, and matters being as they are, politics are not likely to occupy a great deal of attention, lint the finance of the country is the most important aspect of the times, and this subject might well receive special attention. Assuming that Mr Coates will continue as Prime Minister after the general election. he cannot do better at this stage than set about, placing the finances in order at once; a drift, for another year would make the position more difficult still, and the burden would fall chiefly on the head of the Government. A forward step could he taken with advantage now by setting up a committee to investigate the finance from the expenditure side as the safest means to reduce taxation and ease the financial pressure generally. Probably if Mr Coates is looking for tips as to a general policy, the fusion conference will help him in that direction. The members of tbe committees "ill have l* loll

exchanging ideas on progressive lines. The Liberals "ill lx- asking for a forward policy, and ideas will he communicated to the Reform side. A tho-rough-going domestic policy is necessary for New Zealand, and if AI r Coates does not copy from the Liberal policy it will he a useful source to draw upon. In regard to Imperial matters, Mr Coates has indicated already that lie will he prepared to stand behind the Motlierlnhd in fair HYafher as in foul. Tn the former condition. New Zealand draws much of her wealth from Great Britain, which is so excellent a customer for our produce. Incidentally, the Motherland protects our commerce and trading on the high seas, and generally is our sure shield against any possible harm. Enjoying that spontaneous protection, naturally New Zealanders will wish to play the game and not participate in a one-sided bargain. It is clear that Great Britain is bent on doing the best possible for the oversea Dominions and that tho Empire is to he kept intact. Such being the case. Mr Coates may well subscribe to anything which will tend to cement- the good relations of all countries within the Empire, as well as to see that the senior partner is «ell hacked as the ease needs hv junior partners spread o'er the seven seas, and for whom Great Britain has been always ready to safeguard stoal-nll-lv.