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Hokitika Guardian, 31 July 1926, Page 2

At the Reform Caucus this week, the Prime Minister is reported to have said subsequently wnen commenting on the proceedings: “We had some healthy discussions.” This seems to bear out the report as to the dissensions within the party bearing on various aspects of the policy being followed, but as the Reform journal at Auckland remarks, the Prune Minister sits in his place assured of a following strong enough to give effect to his wishes down to the smallest particular. It is the convention to say his opportunity is a great one. So it is, for whatever the tactics of his opponents ho is free from anxiety about votes and majorities. Ho can march straight to whatever objective he chooses, certain of his ability to carry through Parliament any legislation, needed to give effect to his wishes. To that extent the opportunity is great, hut the responsibilities springings from it are great also. The very security of the position predisposes everyone to expect great things from leader and party. In other words, they have to live up to the position in which the election placed them. They must justify the vote of confidence they received. The Government is moving slowly in regard to the development of its policy, which whs foreshadowed at the time of the general election. Those who wish to know in general terms what the Reformers propose to do in the way of legislation and administration can safely consult, the manifesto which Mr Coates issued shortly before the general election at the close of last year. “To eliminate all causes of class ■warfare and bitterness, to promote the well-being of the whole community, to’ strengthen and develop our Imperial relationships, and to make New Zealand an example of what a healthy and industrious democracy can he.” This is indeed an impressive programme, anil familiar as we ail are by this time with the usual contrast between preelection promises and post-election performances, we are prepared to do Mr Coates the justice of believing that in setting forth his intentions in these words ho meant literally what he said. It is hardly to he expected that the Prime Minister will attempt to do all he has promised within a period of one session, but a serious beginning will be expected towards _the ideal which he lias sot himself. New Zealand enjoys a very fair reputation, as it is, hut it is possible t-o enhance it. When Mr Coates goes Home very shortly lie will have the chance of doing something “to strengthen and develops our Imperial relationship.” and bis robust patriotism will assist to that end. As regard general administration the curtailment of borrowing has been promised, a most- necessary step indeed, and it will be for the Prime Minister to make good that promise. The besetting sin of the Government in the past, as was pointed out in the speech of the Hon Michel in the Addrcss-in-R.eply debate in the Upper House, lias been the undue interference with trading hv Government regulations. The effect in several directions lias been disastrous, hampering and crippling capital development. Yet the freer use of capital is what the country needs to assure more development. If this failing can he recognised and the policy recast so that there will be less Government in. business, so much the better for the material benefit of the country as a whole.

Tuoctiilks it appears overtake the just as well as the unjust. There were some bouquets thrown at Hokitika not so long ago by the Greymouth mpi'ning paper in regard to the local electric light service, but it would appear from the same source that “fluctuations” in the electric light have made their appearance in the Greymouth' service, and wo imagine our contemporary is busy taking the beam out of its own all seeing eye now. To add to the trouble in the northern town now happily growing brighter, the engineer told a member of the Grey Tower Board that they would never get rid of the trouble completely. so our friends will now undergo an endurhnee test. However, the “fluctuations” are but the least of the troubles of the Grey Board. It’s financial worries are more serious. It has reached the length-of its' financial tether, and must needs collect its

security rate to cover an overdraft of £10.500, which may be obtained only by special legislation. Nor does t'Lit end all, for there is still ai| additional £IOO,OOO to lie found to give sufficient generating machinery and an O-lequate distributing system. The Chairman of the Bpard draws some comfort from, the fact that in other districts the financial has been heavy and that the local proposition is no worse off in that respect than the average one elsewhere. This at the best is cold comfort. But there are stijl other troubles overshadowing the Grey Board. The people in the outskirts of tho district voted for the loan on tlie assumption they would get light and power, hut the prospects of such localities as Moana land Totara Flat lieing served seem very remote, mid the Board is now considering if it can let the ratepayers down a little with a differential rate. The secretary reported the rate would have to- be for the whole district, as a security for the over-

draft,- so that there will he a contingent liability on all the ratepayers while the overdraft exists. Altogether the prospects point to the introduction of the electric light and power in the north as a costly undertaking. The merits of the case as affecting the proper investigation made into the original scheme which is falling so far short of expectations if not requirements. is for tho northern ratepayers to determine. The moral for those outside the area who may lie contemplating the introduction of electric power, is to move very circumspectly. and well probe the problem of saddling themselves with heavy contingent liabilities. In that respect this part of the district may well take the lesson to heart, which it seems rather to be doing judging by the policy being pursued.