The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JUNE 2, 1930. STATESMANSHIP.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 June 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JUNE 2, 1930. STATESMANSHIP.

Jhk Prime Minister is setting about liis task in quite a workman-like manner, and disclosing a view of statesmanship that augurs well for his ability to lead the country for some time. We commented the other day on the method, adopted by Mr Forbes in forming the Ministry. He took his time, evidently making sure of his ground. Since taking up the reins of office he has evidently appl.ed himself diligently to Iris task. His first, action was to meet the heads of Departments, and discuss important aspects of the national finances. How important was the discussion was revealed by the statement made public on Friday as to the financial position and the .need for grappling with a drifting situation. ■ nis stroke of statesmanship in taking the public fully into his confidence at tile outset of his power, was a wise one, for it reveals the fact that he has gripped the position, and is in no false mind about the high office. Those critics—and there were not a few—who condemned Mr Forbes as not equal to the job before him, might well revise their verdict. Mr Forbes has shown the right line of ability in finding out exactly where the country stands, and he will gain sympathy and support because ol liis frankness in that direct'on. The statement of the country’s affairs will give the Ministry much cause for concern, and that that obligation is realised is indicated by Mr Forbes’ statement that Ministers are sticking to their offices and preparing for the business of the session. Here again, is a useful indication of attention to duties, ami that means the promise of hotter slniesmansliip. The outlook is a good beginning for the Fnited flovernment. and though its following may ho weak from the parly point ol view, its promising notions should attract the support from other parlies who will realise that the desire to set the house in order is a genuine one. and 11 1 n ( the Ministry deserves a fair trial. It would appear that

those who sat in judgment in advance on Mr .Forbes and Ins colleagues, have spoken rather too soon. The workmanlike methods of the prime Minister is pleasing the public, and lie is making Headway in tiie estimation and esteem of the people. Mr Forbes does not pretend to be what he i.s not, but he is showing himself to be a thoroughtbiiiiier ami a solid worker. He has revealed the position according to the prospects, aim he proposes to meet the situation tairly and squarely. In doing so he suggests curtailment of expenditure which is an obvious necessity, and if the situation cannot lie retrieved by that maimer, then to revise taxation. In Taking .the course of ooldly declaring the position, and placing the facts before the people, .veil in time of the meeting of Parliament, lie gives good opportunity l'or ms c. itics to deliver any onslaught they deem necessary. Mr Forbes is prepared to play the game openly, and that is a good trait in true statesmanship. It would appear lie is set ting about his task with methods which will rather confound the criti.s who were disposed to question his ability to load and mould a policy which the country needs greatly at this juncture. New Zealand can afford to study the statement by the Prime Minister and prepare a wholesome course of action to avoid tiny serious financial disaster. Mr Forbes meets the position freely at the outset of his career, and with confidence to show Jiis ability if fairly supported to surmount the obstacles presented. The facts us revealed are unpleasant, but the Prime Minister is hopeful of meeting the general position of the country with very little disturbance to the economic life of the people. This is a cheering conclusion, even though the country has to face a decline of 24 millions in the ordinary in ome. Knowing the facts casts on the Government the obligation of meeting the position, and Mr Forbes does not consider the task beyond the country's resources or outside the policy lie purposes shaping. The occasion is going to call for real statesmanship, and to win through Mr Forbes and the United Ministry must display that talent in no mean degree.