The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 1929. THE SESSION’S PROGRESS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 July 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 1929. THE SESSION’S PROGRESS.

The session so far has not been marked by any sensational happenings. Despite the relative strength of the parties, and that the Government is not within itself in a majority, the House has not attempted any trial of strength to test the real popularity of the Government. It would appear that the debale on the Address-in-Iteply is progressing in time-honoured manner according to custom. Although the Speech was on the usliSl colourless lines, Members in the many subjects touched upon, find plenty of matter for general discoursive discussions. On this occasion there has not been any adverse motion on which those in opposition might extend themselves. The House instead, is discussing the Speech in a very amiable manner. Rather would it appear that the late Government is on its trial. The principal criticism is devoted to the political sins, of omission and commission for which the late Government is held to J)e respossible. In that connection Mr Coates, (fx-Prime ' Minister, made a spirited defence, but for the rest defence of the Reform policy has come from the rank and file. The United members have been very critical on the short, comings of the late Govern-

ment, and consequently the remarks have provoked replies. For once in a while the Labour members have been silent. This is an unusual circumstance. Probably it is a case of discretion being the better part of valour. It would be their task no doubt to crticise the present Ministry, but at this stage they are not disposed to take up the cudgels. They had a short fling in respect to the Imprest Supply Pill and appear content to leave the matter at that stage. Mr Holland actually pleaded with the House to drop the debate on the Address-in-ueply and get on with the business of i. -e country. This was excellent advice, I * but hitherto Labour has been the .shocking example otherwise. It has been customary for Mr Holland as the Leader of his party to bring down a lengthy motion traversing the policy ot the Government, and setting out what Labour would do were it to supplant the -Ministry. Mr Holland evidently realises such a motion could nave but one fate, and so we have him advising members to close the present debate (useless as usual in its general effect) and get, on with the business. Labour requires the Government to deal promptly with unemployment. To that end it wishes to know the policy of the Government in the matter of solving the problem for the country. There is no royal road ready for such a settlement, and though the Government has done a good' deal towards ameliorating the position, and intends to do much more, the position is riot going to be retrieved immediately, The land settlement proposals which are part of the programme to meet the situation will take some time to pass and operate. Much has been done' regarding public works, and with the sanction of the railways works proposed much more will be done in that, direction. The earthquake visitation will afford an immediate outlet for employment, owing to the roads and bridges required to be reconditioned, and settlements rebuilt. In respect to those matters there need be no delay once the affected country has settled back to stable conditions Then the Government will be expected to hasten quickly in the task of reconstruction. It seems clear that the Government will be able to provide considerable opening for extra labour for a time at least, but the more permanent euro is what the country needs, and that will be looked for through the land policy of the Government. With the debate on the Address-in-Reply out of the way, the opening will be there for tlie Government to go ahead with its policy measures for the good of the country as a whole. v