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Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1931, Page 4

Tim United Government has taken the light action in calling Parliament together within month’s time. What has happened at Hawkes Bay of late, apart also from the depresison in gen-era!--'trade. is warrantry enough for the action. The Cabinet lias shown both wisdom and courage in the step taken, and tile Prime Minister, as the head-piece is to be complimented on leading his party so fearlessly, Mr Forbes lias visited the devastated area, and his statements and promises must have brought hope and comfort It o many a home. The Government lias done, its duty in a time of serious trial right nobly. Naturally what lias been done and promised means a large bill of costs, and Air Forbes to put the matter perfectly in order must have the approval of Parliament. Ten or twelve days ago we all thought that nothing was more important or more Dressing titan the general condition of the country. But something even superior to that arose to engage our attention. and along different lines of thought the Country is rising magnificienlly to the occasion. New Zealand stands out in a very fine light by the way in which all else has been dropped that those of the stricken area might be sn'ccoured. There will he work to do and plenty for Parliament in connection with the aftermath of the earthquake period. Parliament, too, will have to face the position regarding the general state of affairs in the country. As matters stand now, the outlook appears to suggest that the time is ripe to drop party politics, and in concerted action act unitedly for the restoration of the country and its finances in the least possible time. We have the example of Australia before our eyes daily, and the mistakes there arising from the bitter party factions should be a lesson to avoid like developments here. These are serious times of peace, in which money must be saved in one direction to be spent in another. Tt is, a time for adjustment and re-organisation, so that the country may be kept on an even keel and progress pleasantly and placidly to a safe haven of prosperity. Parliament should select from among its number an executive of the best organising brains, and so associated, the fortunes of the country should be worked out with mathematical accuracy for the public good, and it requires greatness to do it. AA ill Parliament when it meets in a month’s time rise to the occasion, and do the job which awaits and requires urgent and callable attention, not for party glory, hut for national welfare in which the future of every man. woman and child of the Dominion is most directly concerned?