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Hokitika Guardian, 26 June 1931, Page 4

The Prime Minister is very hopeful of pressing his policy programme as declared in the speech by the Gov-ernor-General in double quick time. Air Forbes is a man not easily deterred, hut if the programme is a brief one, it is no less a very important one —and may not he disposed of as easily as expected. 'Flic Session is to deal with all important business—to balance the budget, and cope with unemployment. They are the most pressing matters at the moment, hut to settle them satisfactorily means tho covering of ai good deal of political ground. Certainly Air Fdrbes has been wioe iu eliminate extraneous matter from tnw business sheet. Much padding could be introduced to wear members down before the acid test of the session is produced, hut Air Forbes is not that sort of leader. Nfew Zealand is discovering that Air Forbes is both practical and earnest, and has no desire to waste time with matters of minor importance at such a critical period. The Government lias shaped well aim is doing faithful service for the benefit of the country as a whole. But that does not mean that its proposals lor righting the budget and providing means for more sustained employment for the army of workless up and dowb Now Zealand, will be readily adopted hy. Parliament, The two opposing parties will have tlicir panaceas for the plight, of the country also, ami Mr Forbes may have to modify his pro-: posuls one way or the other. Presumably from tho declarations made, the Labour section will have none or the Government policy, and if the latter can be upset it will be attempted. ALr Forbes, if lie is to remain in office', will require votes from Reform, ana it remains to be seen how ready the latter will be to precipitate a general election. The election, in any case win come tliis year, and if it will give New Zealand political stability for three years it will be welcomeu, ocean sc the present uncertainty attending the life of the Government has not given Air Forbes a- fair and reasonable' opportunity to administer trie affairs of the Dominion to the best advantage possible.