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Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1929, Page 4

Parliament has been progressing slowly but there is already some suggestion that the end is in sight. Members have been very verbose in the various debates occupying the attention of the House, and there is a hopeful feeling abroad that most things which required to be said, have been expressed already and that- the way is clear for progress. The Estimates are being disposed of and the taxing bills are down for attention. The Government will secure the passing of its policy bills without risk. There has been some modification and this has been received with such favour that it would appear there was but little fault with the original proposals. Sir Joseph Ward has been complimented on all sides for the success of the loan negotiations. His methods to secure and assure success have been described as something of a stroke of genius, which means that his ability to handle the financial affairs of the Dominion is as robust as ever. .In his address the other day to the deputation on highway finance, he was able also to make it plain that the Government would do all that was fair and reasonable in pro-iding funds to carry on the large roading schemes in hand. The Government has been able to maintain the

public works expenditure very satisfactorily indeed and there seems to be no reason to cavil at the Minister of Finance taking reasonable precautions to see that the money is available before any large works are undertaken. The Government was subjected to some special criticism at the hands of Mr Coates at the Reform rally at Auckland a week ago, but it was moro a complaining voice than a critical one. Some of the sins of commission of the deform Ministry were laid bare, and Mr Coates rather resented the revelations. However, the House is in session and any criticism he has to offer might be given voice to in Parliament in explicit terms, instead of fulminating in a general way as far removed from the scene of action as Auckland where lie had no opponents to reply to him. Mr Coates rather missed the mark in such an attack, which was really in the nature of firing blank cartridges. The legislation for the session does not promise to fill a large volume, but it is important that the finances should he set in order. That is being done in good style, and the credit o>f New Zealand is being fully and firmly established. Such an achievement in the face of the general conditions in the Dominion is worthy of recognition and is being noted cheerfully up and down the country. The United Party is accomplishing a good deal and doing it on quite the right lines.