The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1930. THIS WEEK’S TEST.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 October 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1930. THIS WEEK’S TEST.

Tukjie will be a. test—a political test —of outstanding importance for Ays-, tralia this week-end, when on Satyrdap next the electors of New South Wales vote at a general election of members to Parliament, The jsgne js unusually plain and definite. It is as between the Bavin Ministry (a composite Government representing the Nationalists and Country parties) and the Labour party lad )by Mr Lang, The point at issue ip even more definite than that, for it is whether the country will support the compact made : by Mr Bavin with the other 'State Governments and the Federal Ministry to .adopt thp advice of Sir Otto Nremover, anti tot about balancing the budget and thereby set the financial troubles of Australia jn order, or, alternatively, 'to accept the spacious promises of Mr Lang to provide for all the State’s financial needs without adopting, but rather ignoring the financial advice of the expert from London, The campaign lias been jn progress now for (several weeks, and has been conducted most actively. It is clear that Mr Lang .has considerable backing from the ranks of Labour, Only recently the Federal Executive of the Australian Labour Party broadcasted a series of resolutions having for their object a statement of policy which was suppopccl to meet the difficult financial position not only of the State, but aifio of the Oommonenlth. The proposals were radical in the extreme, and the unsatisfactory aspect is, that there has been no public comment by the responsible Federal leaders discountenancing • such a policy at a moment when the Federal Cabinet through the Prime Minister is pledged 1 o an entirely different political programme—one in line with that of the Bavin Government. The resolutions of the Labour Party w?re rather remarkable. • Banking and insurance are to be “nationalised,” without any regard for the dangers of “political money” and inflation. Interest ori hank credits is to ;be reduced, apparently without reference to the financial prospects of the institutions

concerned. In spite of tlie.se shocks to 'public and private finance, “the nation’s credit” is to be utilised for “the stimulation of industry and the liquidation of loans.’’ liritain is to he approached “comi'.'niiiig Australia's war indehtodnessin other words, the Common wealth is to humiliate itself by attempting to throw pa-it or its burdens on the already over-loaded shoulders of the Motherland. The workers are urged to stand boldly in defence of their standard of living which is being attacked by “mercenary and unscrupulous employers;” and Sir 0. Niemeyer’s advice is scouted and repudiated on the ground that he represents the capitalistic “interests” which are an external menace as the Auckland Star has put it, to Labour’s happiness and safety. These, extravagances are akin to the wild promises of Mr Lang who promises to produce millions for the benefit of everyone. As one of the Government Speakers remarked, Mr Lang, promises the sun, moon and the stars but they would find they would stil’ have to go home in the dark! Mr Lang would produce the millions and indulge in an orgy of spending. He does not disclose where the millions are to come from, but it is noticeable that on behalf of the State Savings Bank, the authorities announced the funds lodged there will he immune and may not lie seized by any Government, However, there must be hopes that the public will pee through all this. If not, there is surely a gloomy future 'for ’the Australian democracy. The signs seem to indicate that Mr Lang will not win hie way -*to the Treasury benches. The improving shrtio market scorns to betoken that. But is Is remarkable that in this fight nothing is said on behalf of pane Labour to steady the extreme action of those who would repudiate what. }s proposed to right tly; iftnanues along safe and honest lines. Even the Federal Ministry stays its action in pursuing the course it is pledged to, till the elections are over. It is conceivable if Mr Lane were successful that it will then lie too late for the Federal Government fo attempt to redeem ifis pledge. And it is because of the serious import of next Saturday’s voting that ) tire political tost is of such outstanding importance to all Australia.