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Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1931, Page 4

When* the Lender of the Opposition missed the second: opportunity of enter, ing a fusion Government to right the

financial affairs of the Dominion, he encountered much criticism from his supporters. Even prominent Reform newspapers adopted a caustic tone. A few days sufficed to reveal to Mr Coates the true import of tlie present situation, and he made a fresh move in the matter yesterday. Whether this was intended to be tactical from a political point of vieAV, is not clear, but it certainly was necessary, and carried out sincerely; will be tantamount of fusion. The Prime Minister readily accepted the proposal, which is but further evidence of the sincerity of Mr Frobes to meet the present situation as successfully as possible. The Leader of the Labour Party also welcomed the motion, but promptly sounded n note of opposition to a suggestion that the general election should be postponed. This attitude before Mr Holland had the opportunity of studying the financial position at the close quarters to lie revealed by the Treasury officials, hardly discloses the proper frame of mind in which to handle the difficult question now being approached. A general election is a costly undertaking, and if that cost can be postponed for a year till there is time to right the affairs of the country, taxation can be easied to the extent of the cost. One of the duties of this Grand Committee of the House is to save expenditure at this juncture, so as to lessen the taxation to be raised, and if the postponement of the election would be helpful to that end, neither Mr Holland nor any other member should oppose so useful a proposal. What is noAV proposed in New Zealand, in the way of reviewing the national finances and the position, Is being done in England, and Ims been proposed in Noav South Wales, It is a most reasonable course to take. The financial integrity of the country is something politics, and the members of all parties should be at the greatest pains to see the national credit stands at its highest. If the members cooperate whole heartedly to that end, there will be a quicker recovery of Dominion affairs, and the return of norlmall conditions Avill She brought about the sooner. The pronosal is certainly a step in the right direction.