The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, OCTOBER. 18, 1928.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 October 1928, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, OCTOBER. 18, 1928.

THE GOVERNMENT MANIFESTO. The Rt. Hon. the Prime Minister took tnno by the forelock in releasing his Election Manifesto prior to Sir Joseph Ward’s policy speech on behalf of the United Party. Mr Coates however, was modest in his policy declaration, and still has room for embellishments if such be needed to outdo his political opponents. The manifesto is a document of quiet confidence. The Government considers it has done its duty by the people in regard to the promises of three years ago, and it points not without pride to the standing of the Dominion to-day in the financial world as well as in the general regard of the Empire. The loyalty which 'New Zealand has always demonstrated is one of its special claims on outside public favour. There has never Recti any doubt as to where New Zealand stands in Imperial affairs. This was manifested before the horrors of the Great War .overtook the world. Mir Joseph Ward sensing the public attitude, it will lie recalled, gave the Empire, on behalf of New Zealand, a battleship. That ship was destined to do wonderful service for the Empire in the war to follow, and the Dominion gift thus had a special significance which has been brought to the mind of the people so many times over by the exploits of the gift ship in the naval engagements in which it participated so often. New Zealand has continued absolutely sound on the matter of national defence, and the donation to the Singapore Base was another stroke of politic action to Bring the country renown outside its shores. Then we have had the part played in the administration of Samoa; and although even some of the New Zealand politicians tried to discredit their own country, the Dominion came through the ordeal of enquiry with credit, and so added further to its good name. Mr Coates, in lii.s manifesto gives more attention to domestic reforms and relief than is usual, and offers a not. uninviting programme for the consideration of the public. We should like to see something more definite about, relieving the country of the incubus of debt it has to rarrv. though it must ho r-enluz-ocl that while there is a forward policy iiii regard to. potential development., extra cost must be incurred, Rtill, M the same time the burden is growing

far too rapidly, and we cannot but think that the fi.na.nces of the country should he the subject of review by a grand Committee of Finance, apart altogether from any political party leanings, with a view to achieving something practical in the way of setting the financial house in order for the future. At last there is the promise of a sound policy of land settlement. Hitherto on the admission of the Minister of Lands there was the feeling that the Government was bankrupt as regards a land policy, hut now something progressive is promised, and the advancement will he welcomed. Wo do hope that the aim to bring about and maintain national peace by a mode 01 settling industrial troubles will bo brought to pass. Wc believe Mr Coates is sincere in that resolve, and if lie secures the majority he expects at the polls next month, it will certainly be bis opportunity, to carry his high resolve into law. An assured peace in that direction makes one feel that a material improvement in regard to unemployment will result. With peace assured there must he an industrial expansion, absorbing more labour and creating wealth and trade which will enable the country to progress in so material a way that difficulties at present serious in themselves, will be greatly minimised. There is no doubt that New Zealand needs industrial peace, and if the Government can make good their promise in that respect they are certainly entitled to another lease of life and to establish that degree of national advancement which will he the best assurance as to national peace and prosperity, and add further lustre still to the good name of New Zealand.