The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1929. THE SESSION ENDS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 November 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1929. THE SESSION ENDS.

The first business session of the Parliament elected a year ago concluding to-day, ends under unusual circumstances. A most regrettable feature was the illness of the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward being unable to take his seat for some weeks. This was unfortunate for the Government in more ways than one, but it is pleasing to know that Sir Joseph is much better, and according to the latest accounts well on the way to a decided improvement which will permit him to return to his own residence, and subsequently attend at his office for the business of the country. No doubt there was some forbearance on the part of members due to the indisposition of the Leader of the House, but in Sir Joseph’s absence, his deputy, Hon George Forbes, distinguished himself as Acting-Leader. The members of the Cabinet include Ministers of ability and in the absence of their chief were able to stem the tide successfully of' two no-confidence motions, and generally comport themselves in such a way as to carry through successfully the business of the country they sot out to perform. The session has been remarkable for the comparative celerity with which the platform promises of the United Leader at the time of the general election, have been carried out. The result has justified bis elevation to me premiership, despite the fact that to party does not hold a working majority in the House. The experience

or the three party system is beginning to disclose how far the democratic principle may really be carried when there is not a ruling party. The life of the present Government, though it was jeopardised from time to time from different angles, was preserved through the good sense of the majority of the House. The Ministry in the discharge of its obligations carried out a set policy which involved some increase in taxation, and the move was challenged by the very party which was responsible ' for the deficit which was the primary cause of the taxation. The remainder of the House realising the unfairness of the move voted out Mr Coates’ amendment. Then with regard to an adverse amendment by Labour, the majority of the House again realised the unfairness of Mr Holland’s amendment, and it was lost. Once again, Mr Coates moved adversely in regard to the railway construction policy, and took up an attitude in opposition to his own promises when in power. Again, the judgment of the House was sound and vetoed the Reform motion. Probably the most dramatic episode of the session was when Sir Joseph Ward rose in his place, and promised to settle the unemployment problem in five weeks! The next most remarkable fact, was that the Government was as good as its word, and at the . end of five weeks Mr Forbes was able to show the promise bad been fulfilled. It is clear the Government is being well led. fcir Joseph’s ability to that end, even when struck down on a sick bed, is outstanding. The one shp be made was in respect to some Treasury correspondence which he misread and unjustly blamed Mr Downie Stewart. In regard to this matter it is regrettable that the Treasury officers did not clear up- the situation earlier and remove the blame, hut Sir Joseph made his apology and retraction, and Mr Wilford who was also under a misapprehension, also expressed his regret. Apart from, this instance, the session has run smootliily and to the credit of the Government. The country will be looking forward to next session being a very useful one, as in the interim Ministers will have fuller opportunity to arrange a more complete business programme, and give the country the benefit of further sound legislation.