The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, JULY 30, 1929. TO BUSINESS.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, JULY 30, 1929. TO BUSINESS.

Ns>\v that the pro.onged debate on the address-in-reply has ended, it may be expected Parliament will settle down to business. The debate was drawn out unnecessarily, and was used mainly for recrimination between Liberal and Reform. For once Laibour was discreetly sensible and held its peace, perhaps a healthy sign of useful political regeneration ( 1) Ministers and exMinisters view with each other in resurrecting tiie “wretched past.” No good could be accomplished by such a process of attack and defence. The pot was often as black as the kettle, and in any case were it not, it would not have made any difference to the respective partisans. Perhaps it is necessary for members to let off this kind of steam at the outset, resuiting in a shortening of proceedings later on. They appear to have their piece to speak, and having spoken they retire to the background. It were well if this is so, for the House might well be spared in the future from some of the speakers it has to listen to. Of the -Ministerial speecnes, that of Sir Joseph Ward was the most arresting. His revelations of what lie found at the Treasury when taking office were most interesting. His predecessor was supposed to have arranged for New Zealand to keep off the London market for a period. This was disconcerting to the policy Sir Joseph had in mind, and upon which he had made certain promises to the people. Mr Downie Stewart' denied any such arrangement, though Sir Joseph would hardly make such a charge without ample foundation, while it will be recalled that when lie took office he indicated that there was a set of circumstances facing him which had disorganised his proposals, and some time would be taken to adjust the position. However, Mr Stewart need not be ashamed of any reluctance to go on the London mariiet. It would be a good thing to do with less borrowing if at all possible, and any policy in that direction is of course commendaole. But it is to‘ the'immediate future people are now looking. New Zealand has its difficulties to contend with, and these are the pressing necessities of the hour. When the House settles down to business tomorrow, it is noped it will be with some real resolve to meet the emergencies of the occasion. It is clear that the finances of the country require to be adjusted. Apart from the fact that there was a deficit on the past year, there are so many demands on the Treasury that fair Joseph lias indicated there must be a halt. A very large expenditure has to be met to provide employment, but actual relief work is being dropped and, more permanent work is now being undertaken. The earthquake damage will run into a huge sum for restoration and the Gov-, ernmept must foot the bill. The presentation of the Budget at an early date will be looked forward to with interest. There lias been the suggestion of the adjustment of taxation. Just what that means will' not be revealed till the secret of the proposals are declared finally. Sir Joseph is credited with being our most capable financier ,and on that account he will oe trusted considerably. It is certainly to 'be regretted lie was so long removed from office. We 'have to remember that he kept the finance of the National Government in order while in charge, but since then there lias been a policy of drift. It will be too much of course to expect Sir Joseph to stop the drift and set the whole house in order within a few months or even a year. . His proposals will extend naturally over a period, and there must be time for matters to adjust themselves. But there is confidence in the man, and that is the chief factor in the patience of the people today waiting for the political fortunes of the country to be re-organised and put in proper train. It is for that reason there is the general desire to see Parliament get down to business and set about doing things in their right order.