The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1931. FACING THE FACTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1931. FACING THE FACTS.

It is evident from the various statements made by the Prime Minister, that the Government is facing the facts in regard to the plight of the country following the lack of credit due to the drop of some twenty millions in the value of exports. The United Cabinet has been in daily session, and it is clear Ministers realise their responsibilities and are preparing to accept them on lines considered best for the welfare of the Dominion. One line of action referred to, is that in respect to the possible, if not probable, consequences, Ministers (and Mr Forbes in particular) are not considering the popularity of the step being formulated, but will act only in the interests of the country. It. seems clear that there must be a considerable degree of national economy enforced. This will cover the public service as a whole, both in regard to staffing and wages, and what applies to the administration of the country, will, no doubt, also affect other avenues of employment. In general, a cut must be accepted in wages as a means to create employment, by providing a hotter chance for labour. Whether this will he applicable to the arbitration system without a review of the position through! the constitutional course, remains to he seen. There will he union difficulties, doubtless, in any attempted forced cut, but it will he fo r the Government to choose the course of action as a matter of policy, and stand or fall by it. This contingency brings to mind again the possibilities of political alliances to save' the general situation. Labour has suppored the United Government because it has stood by wages rates. Any departuie from existing scales will cause that support- to he withdrawn. Several Labour members have plainly stated that. On the other hand, Reform through its leader, has- indicated the necessity for a wages cut, and on cer-

tain lines indicated has promised to support the proposal. A move along the lines indicated is, therefore, likely to throw the United and Reform parties more together, and oir of that temporary alliance, fusion is boned for in certain quarters. The trend of affairs in New Zealand combined with the difficulties as to the future and the probable slow recovery of stable conditions. calls for safe and stable Government. This suggests a fusion of forces drawn from the safer elements to best serve national interests. We see in Australia what extravagant liberties are taken with place and power when Labour rules, and similar action in New Zealand would count like financial disaster here. The people of New Zealand, like the reigning Government, must face the facts, and consider what is best for the body politic. The crisis is taking such shape that the issue is outside of party and is essentially national. When in the time of war and possible annihilation. Reform and United parties, fused as n National Ministry for national safely, great good /resulted. There was a political truce, and all energies were bent in the direction necessary to assist iri saving the position, A somewhat similar situation lias now arisen There are grave financial problems lo be faced, and to save the country, companies, and individuals from annihilation. a like combination of political forces should be helpful. There could he a truce to party legislation, and a concentration of minds on the one essential need of the times, and if the position were faced in flu’s way, there would 1)0 the surer means of quicker recovery. There is a good deal to be gained by saving time. If flic position can be stabilised nromntly, the gain for the country will be of great advantage. ’l'llis fact requires to be borne in mind at this critical stage.