The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 1931. NEW ZEALAND POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 August 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 1931. NEW ZEALAND POLITICS.

New Zealand polities will be at a critical stage for the time being at least, this week, when the Budget is under review. Mr Forbes has gone the whole way in the endeavour to balance the National Accounts. This is alike heroic and courageous, and is the proper thing to do in the interests of the country, but members of Parliament solicitious about votes at the coming elections, will endeavour to pose as the saviours of taxation, by objecting to certain- items. 1 lie Government is not in power because of its own party support. It depends on the support of the Reformers in the House, and there has been evidence that some of the number are anxious to displace the present Ministry, It is at this juncture where the virtue of fusnn can he realised. Mr Forbes no doubt was aware that special taxation had

to be imposed to right the finances, and that on the scale proposed, could be done only by a numerically strong party. However, fusion did not come to pass and. Mr Forbes had to tale the risks, which he did boldly. There is the usual lobby rumours of a crisis being at hand, but Reform is not likely to precipitate a general election at this juncture unless on very good grounds, and with an alternative method of balancing the Budget declared. Mr F orbes would be entitled to a dissolution on an adverse division on his fiscal policy, and it would be then for the people to decide. It is interesting to note that all the parties have been preparing in advance impossible eventualities, by selecting candidates. Reform has gone further, and has been, stumping Taranaki, where at the last election, there was a material loss of seats. Labour has also been paying attention to some of the electorates, while United lias been content to organise by selecting some very promising nominees. In this latter respect, Mr Forbes appeal's to havc made a good impression generally, for several outstanding public men are coming forward to champion tliis cause, which is very complimentary and a tribute to the prestige he is establishing in the country. In , the event, therefore, of an adverse vote, the parties, generally will be ready for the fray which promises to be one of the most important elections in the history of the country. Labour will be ready, no doubt, with many amendments to the Budget proposals in. the hope of catching Reform votes, but the latter party has been in caucus, and should be alert. Tt would appear that this week, proceedings in Parliament will he a battle of tactics, and for that reason will excite very general interest. It is interesting to note that on the whole the Budget has had a very good press. Some of the writers have been critical about the details, or complained that what is being attempted should have been done a year ago! But generally the tone is favour, able, and in all cases Mr Forbes is praised and not blamed for bis courage. This suggests that the Prime Minister fully realises the situation, andl is not afraid to tell the people and shape bis policy accordingly. It is admitted even by Mr Coates that it is not an electioneering Budget, which is all to the credit of Mr Forbes’ political honesty. Altogether, therefore, in summing up, it would seem Mr Forbes lias gone the right way about the difficult business, and that lie is receiving more credit thaiu blame from the press, and that probably will be the reflex of public opinion when ex* pressed at the ballot box.