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Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1929, Page 4

’1 he indisposition of Sir Joseph Ward last week, regrettable as it was from the personal stand-point, also served to delay the material progress of Parliament with the business of the country. It was hoped at an earlier stage to end the session this month. That hope is vanishing rapidly, and the sessioji will run into November before the end can come. This is certainly so if all the Government measures on the stocks are persisted in. So far very little actual legislation has been passed, which might be something of a blessing in disfigure, but it is necessary to pa/'s legislation to give effect to the cardinal points of the Government policy, and on that account, t urn must he devoted to some of the special measures. Wo may be sure that there will he a slaughter of the innocents in the end. All the same, the Government taxation and land proposals must l)e finalised if the session is to add to the record of the Government, and for that reason more time is essential. The perse nee of Sir Joseph Ward is eer-

tainly essential in regard to the taxing bins, for it is on these that he as Minister of Finance relies upon putting the financial house in order. The deficit of last year has to be made good, and die State put in the way of passing through the financial period now entered up w.thout a further deficiency. At the same time the extra money required to redeem tne promises of the Government in regard to various matters and undertakings must be provided. Sir Joseph has proved his mastery of the financial pos.tion over and over again, and is the most trusted man in the Dominion to-day regarding the effective handling of the national finance. It is hoped his health will permit him occupying his place in the House ,in which case it should be passible to hurry the session to its end. 'The members of the Cabinet generally have the reputation of being careful and attentive to their duties. The respective Departments are being wellhandled, indicating sound administration. The good team work should be Responsible for a better feeling all through the country. Certain of the Opposition are fractious, and there has been much delay by reason of their desire to debate all and sundry questions, but their flow of eloquence has not revealed any scandals nor placed the Government in any perilous situations. If the Prime Minister is himself again this week there should be good and steady progress to the end of the session, and national appreciation for the good work which will be accomplished during the session.