The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MAY 12,, 1930. CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MAY 12,, 1930. CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.

The address of Mr Poison, M.P. at the J oiv.ii flail on Thursday- evening was helpful to liis auditors and the public at large, because of ‘ the constructive criticism he offered on current political topics. Mr Poison appeared before his audience as President of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. This naturally is an important organisation and in times past, was credited with having the ear of the Government. In the political changes which come to pass x om time to time, the organisation d d not receive as good a hearing poliFtally, and Mr Poison who was a prominent figure, was prompted to offer his services for Parliament, and it is well for the country that gentlemen of his calibre are able to win seats. It is clear that Mr Polsou is not a rabid party man. In Parliament he is an Independent, and has mainly supported the present Government on important divisions. Although he did not speak from his political pedestal, but as the farmers? representative, it would be difficult to disassociate himself from the political task he has as a member of Parliament specially representing farming interests. Mr Poison expressed his desire in these critical times to avoid the pitfalls into- which Australia, for instance, had strayed. Qne facts prove, however, that New Zealand is far removed from that danger zone, and in point of fact has been preserved by tile policy of the present Government from a fat-e so serious. Tim position to-day is that New Zealand’s credit stands high, despite the drop in primary product prices and the f'ousi-.jucnt loss in values of commodities exported. • This is no mean achievement and the fact that it. is m;t 'realised at its full worth was evidenced at the Parnell election hist week. Covering the general position of internal affairs, Mr Poison is anxious to see a leveling of prices so that the farmer will not be at a disadvantage. The situation within the country manifested by the rifeness of unemployment is not cheerful, but there are records of vvlnu. the Govornmo.nt has -done in this matter, and to meet the situation a great financial effort has been made The Government Inis done well, and it t hones to do better, and there are prospects that it will. On its record me Government lias done remarkably well in stabilising the national finance. Mr Poison would handle the matter differently in detail, but with an achievement such as Sir Joseph Ward lias accomplished in the short time at Ins disposal, there would not be justification for any sudden reversal of po-

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licy. As to the details of revised taxa.,i.o tuncii Air Poison has referred to, his suggestions and criticisms will be helpful and useful to the Government. Mr Poison lias ? endeavou,red to be constructive in his proposals, with the oeject of relieving the* farmer of high prices for communities and dear money to carry on all branches of his pursuits. The present Government controlled by the able Liberal leader of the past, has a splendid record for its ability to help the man on the land. The Liberals (and Sir Joseph Ward was a very active participant in the policy or the past) did great work to benefit land settlement. The land was provu.ed and cheap money was made available. Settlers were helped with advice and in other was to such an extent that New Zealand became a great producing country. A wonderful foundation. laid in person to a considerable extent by the present Prime Minister, still exists, and Sir Joseph Ward may be relied upon to do all that he can with the resources at his disposal to maintain the production of the primary products of the country to the greatest advantage of those engaged therein. The taxation details are the policy of the Government for the time being. Mr Poison would free the larnlovTi’er from land tax. The Liberal policy i,s to be equitable in this matter. It will help the small and struggling farmer by freeing him from special laW tax, but the large land owner must be expected to contribute nis.fair share of the cost of the public administration. The present Government may be" relied upon to do all it can to minimise taxation, and to spread the cost of-what the people must contribute as fairly as possible. That is .e essenceof good government—the greatest good for the greatest number —and that axiom is the main foundation of the Liberal policy from the past to the present.