The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1927. REDEEMING REEDGES.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 May 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1927. REDEEMING REEDGES.

] The Minister of Finance having set the ball rolling in regard to political matters oil the Government side, the public will be expecting the Prime Minister and his other colleagues to he taking the platform, and educating the public in regard to their administration, and particularly in reference to the steps proposed to be taken to redeem the platform pledges of 1925 in regard to the reforms to be carried out in the government of the country. Very properly the Leader of the Oilposition (Mr Holland) is “on the stump.” He needed no pressing in that direction, hut all the same it is to his credit that he is discharging the duties of his office as chief political critic of the Government, by taking to the platform and placing before the people not only reasonable criticism of the Government policy, but also an outline of the policy of the party he leads. Informing the public mind and coming in contact with the people are the chief aids to politcal success. Mr Holland is frank and free in his speech, and he is meeting with a very good reception in North Island. This circumstance alone should prompt Ministers to lie alert and up and doing if their administration is to be justified at the next time of asking. The Reform Government put before the people at the time of the election a policy attractive enough to win the favour of the voters in no uncertain way. But to hold that confiidence it is necessary to set about redeeming the (hedges then made in wooing the electors. Air Downie Stewart has spoken of “difficult times” ahead. What does the Government intend to do to stem this tide of "difficulty” with as little national inconvenience as possible. The Finance Minister did not define, the "difficult ies” very clearly, but we kqow with

the stringency of money and the r<

the stringency of money and the restrict ion on trade, employment will he short and the unemployed will he stalking the land. I lie Ministers of Land and Agriculture have had brought under their notice, the trials and tribulations of many already on the land, while many others are anxious to get on the land under easy conditions. Wlmt is to lie the Government policy in all these matters? This question is not being sprung suddenly. It has been developing fur some time past, and .Ministers have been talking obvious platitudes about, ilie position. These will suffice no longer. It is as oll'cring stones instead of bread. AVhal substance is to he offered the people on tho land or wishing to go on the land, to secure improved or improving conditions. Finance and the land administration appears to he the outstanding subjects to overcome the critical period now entered upon. The .Ministers may not remain silenf at this juncture and gain any kudos thereby. A negative altitude will not longer suffice. .Something positive mtisl be done. So. if we are to have “coats off wit.i Coates, ’’ then the Prime Minister must he tin and doing and show the wav. He and his henchmen are los-

ing a golden opportunity in deferring their policy at this juncture. There never was more need for giving the people confidence, it ltd it will not. he given now by words hut by deeds. And so it is that the time has arrived when the pledges of the past must he redeemed, ami the .Ministers must indicate with as little delay -as possible, how that considerable task is to be carried through.