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Hokitika Guardian, 31 October 1929, Page 4

The news that Sir Joseph Ward will not be able to take his seat in the House for the remainder of the session is disquieting as regards the Prime Minister’s health. It was hoped from the earlier reports that his indisposition was a passing phase, hut the precautions taken by his advisers indicate that the position is more serious. It is well therefore that every care he taken, and it is wise for his colleagues to insist on the Prime Minister following instructions for the time-being. In the circumstances the proceedings of parliament are robbed of much of their special interest. However proceedings of late have not been without incident. The special Taxation Bill had a stormy but successful passage, but Mr Forbes, Deputy-Lead-er, handled the situation firmly and had the satisfaction of .seeing the Hand proposals carried through. Of the outside comment on the legislation, the most notable is that from overseas. It is not often that the London “Times” goes out of its way to comment favourably on colonial le-

gislation while it is still under discussion in and the United Government may' well be satisfied with tlie commendation that the Land Tax Bill has just received. The “Times” approves of Sir Joseph Ward’s, decision in favour of increased taxation to meet the deli it. As it points out, the only alternative is increased borrowing, and “the state of industry” in the Dominion leaves the Government very little choice as to the direction that the new taxation must take. As to the demands for “exemptions and special consideration,” the “Times” holds thstt such con.essions “cannot be allowed to encroach far without depriving the proposals of most of their value.” This is an adequate reply to the persistent demand of the Reformers for more liberal treatment of certain classes ol landowners. On this point the United Government has rightly stuck to its guns, for,, as the leader of the Labour Party said m the/ House yesterday, the concession secured by the Opposition, “after all the beating ol drums and the playing of the band,” has no material value, and the Bill has gone through substantially unaltered Ine United Party and the country are to be congratulated on this valuable and necessary piece of legislation, and their confidence in it-will naturally be strengthened by the approval of the “Times.” The' Public Works Statement was brought down promptly, and has proved an engrossing document. Mr Ransom, the new 'Minister of Publi Works, is one of the most capable of the United Ministers, being thorough and earnest,“ and he gave a very careful resume of ' the big public, work? policy of the country. An unsatisfactory incident which' cnine to be known as the “loan mystery” has been cleared up. It arose through a mistake and Sir Joseph Ward hug made the amende honqrable to the former Minister of Finance, whose statements bn the matter were fully verified. Parliament appears likely to run another fortnight, but the absence of the Prime Minister will rob the proceedings of much of the interest. No doubt, however, his master mind will be behind the proceedings so far a the Government policy is - concerned and it will Ire for his colleagues to make the best of the unusual situation.