The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1930. THE OTHER SIDE.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1930. THE OTHER SIDE.

I'hk contest tor the New South Wales elections has been advanced a stage by the appearance of Mr J. T, Lang, Leader of the Labour Opposition on the hustings. His speech on Monday night was on lines entirely opposite to that the Premier in tire previous week. Mr Bavin was cautious and careful in all his statements about the future, refusing to promise anything which he could not carry out. Mr Lang seemed to throw caution aside, for he was most lavish in his promises. No respector of persons, he tranced all his opponents, and promised a happy restoration of the good times which had gone before, but which he did not say had contributed so much to the financial downfall of State. The Sydney press in its comments of the speech, it would appear, has not taken Mr Lang too seriously, but it will be a mistake if his political opponents are equally short-sighted, Mr Lang has a policy which must and did tickle the ears of his followers. Labour is a considerable force in New South Wales, and it is more solid than ever for the approaching election. The Australian Workers’ Union is with the Australian Labour Party, and this means an accession of considerable strength to Labour candidates at the polls. Mr Lang if returned to power, is prepared. to negative all that has been done in the endeavour to retrieve the financial crisis. He speaks lightly of the adverse trade balance, and believes tlie loan difficulty can lie overcome by an amendment to the 1 financial agreement. Apparently he believes the financial impasse is designed to destroy Labour, 'but that is evidently not the view of the Federal Labour Leaders. They realise the true import of the situation and are keen to retrieve the situation. Mr Lang for his part, shows no respect for the advice tendered by Sir Otto Niemeyer, who lie considers came to the Commonwealth with the designs of a financial wrecker! But, here again, he draws a long how to please his hearers, telling them something which probably he feels will please if it will not convince. There were no home truths in Mr Lang’s discourse.

Rather did he appear to strain after effect. He declared ‘the State must continue to borrow, and is imbued with the idea that there is '.sufficient money in the 'State to finance the public works policy he would attempt —and he would undertake to get it—he added significantly. From figures published of the State’s financial position it is ,evident Mr Lang?promises to draw supplies from a well already drained dry, for there is not the credit in the country even to pay what is nominally deposited in the banks by the depositors. Mr Lang lias outlined a very active policy and would do much for all on the land, though the proposals lack the details of accomplishment, $ There is no isuggestion of economy in Mr Lang’s policy, no cutting down of administrative costs. He would restore the shorter working week, with the higher pay, but omitted to explain how employers would be able to conform with this plank. Still, these are the kind of promises to tickle the ears o l ' expectant voters. They are, too, often, the stock in trade of the political oppositionist. Labour is now of fair fetrength in the House, and it requires the National and Country Parties to amalgamate for the time being, to. hold Labour in check. There is also, the extreme section to be taken into account. This section is always well to the front because of its clamour, and is sure to take a prominent part in this contest. There will he a considerable measure of support for Mr Lang from that quarter. >Mr Lang has certainly drawn a very definite line of demarcation between the Government and the Opposition. The two are ns poles asunder. The public need not be in doubt about any indefiniteness. With a clear-cut issue the pubHe :have little chance of making mistakes. They have two very divergent policies before them, and have to take their-’ choice-*.: uc- ■ cordingly. The whole issue is covered in point of fact by things as they are, and judged from that viewpoint the New South Wales electors require Only ordinary intelligenda 'to settle the issue very definitely.