The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 1930. AN HONOURABLE ARRANGEMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 1930. AN HONOURABLE ARRANGEMENT

An honourable arrangement was made by the House of Representatives whereby the Hon Prime Minister will be able to leave this evening en route for London, to attend the Imperial Conference. The arrangement is altogether creditable to 'the parties. Owing to the numerical strength of the respectve political parties, the position is somewhat- unique. There is not a dominating party in Parliament, and the Government is beholden to the good sense of the leaders reaching a gentleman’s agreement whereby the Pl'ime Minister may depart without ally fear of finding himself dOpbSetl fTom office while away. 11l Agreeing to this, a Wise course- lots been'itnken. There- are important matters for attention at the London Conference, while trading- and financial matters affecting New’Zealand also need special attention. Mr Forbes has performed so satisfactorily in his high .office that there is a general desire he should be given the fullest and freest opportunity to attend t r very important matters while abroad, without any anxiety, to the political situation in the Dominion. Tlie Prime Minister is steadily making good. His honesty of purpose and frankness are self-evident-, and evidence is forthcoming equally of his .political courage. The step lie took at the outset in placing the position of the finances before country as lie found them, was an unusual one, but it was the right tiling to do, and the action has been approved generally. He met Parliament as frankly, and has developed his financial policy as openly. It is not a pleasant thing to do to impose fre'll taxation, and Mr Forbes took the course of spreading’the- burden as much as possible. No doubt that was not the most popular thing to do, bub it was the fairest. Mr Forbes has shown also that lie can be hold, where boldness is required, as witness his policy reply to Canada which abrogated the preference to New Zealand butter. Mr Forbes has selected motor cars, a very happy choice in all the circumstances, and for the time being there is the chance to patronise the essentially British ear or vehicle in preference to the Canadian machine manufactured largely by American companies. The Prime Minister is leaving the Dominion imbued with the highest regard for the Motherland, and with a mission to preach Imperial unity and affinity. Coming from the furthest placed Dominion, Mr Forbes will occupy a prominent place in the minds of those nt Home, and his message of loyalty and good-will from this distant part of the Empire is sure to he received in the spirit in which it- is expressed. His colleague is Sir T. K. Sidev (who jt is interesting to note is paying his own expenses). Sir Thomas like Mr Forbes has long, been associated with the Liberal party in this country, and the two will therefore have close political affinities assuring a happy understanding between them. Both have had long parliamentary service, and have earned a reward, and may be relied on to fulfill their parts with a full understanding of their responsibilities. New Zealand will have their most attentive consideration at all times, and they are sure to do honor to the trust reno'od in them on this mission on behalf of the Dominion.