GIVEN A CHANCE

Hokitika Guardian, 8 July 1929, Page 7

GIVEN A CHANCE

THE OPPOSITION ATTITUDE. TWO GRACEFUL SPEECHES. WELLINGTON, July 4. Pro\ocative references io the new Government were made by the leader of the Opposition, Mr Coates, in the House to-day, his remarks drawing a rapid fire of interjections, but the Opposition leader concluded on entirely different lines. '

Mr Coates said that during the election campaign he had warned New Zealand that it would be wise to, refrain from a policy of lavish expenditure, despite the fact that trade balances were improving. He had forseen a difficult period as far as public finances were concerned, and no course, save one of steady progression towards complete recovery economically, seemed to be advisable. He had felt sure that any policy of ill-considered spending would be disastrous in the long run. “We were promised £70,000,000,” continued Mr Coates. “Olh hush! hush! hush!” came from the Labour benches.

Mr Coates: Of that sum £60,000,000 was to be borrowed for advances to workers and settlers and £10,000,000 was to be borrowed for completion of railways. The £60,000,000 was to he borrowed at 4}- per cent and lent at 41 per cent (derisive Reform laughter) There was to be no more unemployment, standard wages were to be paid and there was to be a reduction in Customs duties among other things. Has the Government given effect to any one of these things P Mr Fletcher (Grey Lynn): Oh tell us about the big deficit you left. Mr Coates: Can that hon. gentleman say that effect has been given to any )f those promises? / OPPOSITION LEADER’S ATTITUDE.

“No doubt members of the opposite side of the House are 'waiting for me to move an amendment,” remarked Mr Coates, as the end of his speech aproached. “No doubt,” he continued, “they .are anxious to hear the terms of it.” But expectations were disappointed, as Mr Coates declared the position as he viewed it was not such that old party tactics should be resorted to (Government members, “Hear, hear.”) It was an occasion which required the whole-hearted thought of men who were anxious for the country’s interest, who wished to see whether the new Government could put into effect the prosperity it prouised. if it could do so he would, tak:ng the wide viewpoint ,be satisfied. “I want the Government to know.” he said, “that we .recognise the difficult nsition the Government is in, and we ire not going to adopt tactics that will be harassing or..petty. I hope • e can take the widest view of the situation, not making their troubles -nore difficult but, it possible, assist ! hem for the good of the country. That does not in any sense mean we do not bold ourselves open to critise any roposal of legislation or adminißtra'ion where we realise criticism is essential. The Government has been in office only seven months, and we must admit that they have not been given much opportunity to bring forward all their proposals, nevertheless I would have liked to see more in the Speech from the Throne. I ask that the Government will be determined enough—l was going to say brave enough—to admit it where it finds its nre-election planks were wrong. It does lake courage to do that. So far as this side of the House is concerned, we will think they are doing the right thing to admit it, and they will get support I'i’om us. I am referring to expenditure which is likely to get this country into difficulties.”

GENEROUS AND STATESMANLIKE. Following the Lender of the Opposition was the Hon. W. A. Veitch, Minister of Transport, who expressed sincere appreciation of Mr Coates’s remarks on the party situation. “They were generous, statesmanlike and worthy of the position he occupies in this House,” said Mr Veitch. “Whatever ■riticism 1 'have levelled at his administration has been in exactly the same spirit. He has criticised the proposals if the present Government, but is generous enough to say that it has not been in office long enough to develop the whole of its policy. That is an admission which does credit to the Leader of the Opposition. The present Position is a difficult one, created through the peculiar situation of politics and parties.” Mr Coates: A misunderstanding (Laughter.) The Minister :It may he due to misunderstanding of the real needs of the Dominion by the lion, gentleman s •tarty. J sincerely believe that the differences between his party and opr selves are merely differences of policy and tile opinion of wliat is best for New Zealand, but in face of the very "onerous conclusion of his speech T can only reply that on general grounds we •ire willing to consider the opinions of ’’thers. We have no desire to force our opinions’ on the House , indeed we 'mve not power to do so vf it comes to the final test of a party fight. The neople were of opinion that a change of Government was desirable. It has

taken place. The Government has laid down its policy ,and legislation will be ■ntroduced which, I am sure will meet with the approval of the House and -ountry. As a result this fine country will be lifted out its temporary degression.” Mr H. E. Holland :Ts the legislation ready? , ‘Mr Veitch: A good deal of work has been done.