The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1931. THE QUESTION FOR DECISION.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 December 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1931. THE QUESTION FOR DECISION.

“The Labour Party opposed an measures of economy and retrenchment, and promised to increase expenditure by millions of pounds out of revenue that could not be rais-d, quite apart from their borrowing policy. This could have one result and one result only- that was national insolvency,’’ The foregoing i's another quotation from a late speech by the Hon, W, D. Stewart, Minister of Finance, find it sums up the position in relation to to-morrow’s poll, Mr Stewart points out the fallacies of the Labour policy, which summed up, is opposition to economy and retrenchment and the provision of more borrowed money to undo, the Coalition policy. The question for the decision of the electors tomorrow is whether they are going to accept the Labour policy or alternatively, will send men to Parliament ready to support the present Government, which ha§ made plain to the people the seriousness of the present financial position, . and the necessity for care in the public administration. There is enough information before the people to afford a dear view of the issue. Coupled with that,- there •is the example cf Great Britain wherethe electors had to settle a matter not unlike here. There, the Labour Government had run the country to a standstill financially, and refused to attempt remedial measures to repair the situation. The Government had to go, and when the new Government made its appeal to the people for a mandate to carry on with a balanced Budget, the Labour Party wa.s virtually wiped out and the National Government established with the greatest majority in the history of British politics. The Labour; date here lias stated it is not necessary to balance the Budget, and the policy lie would follow would he to undo the economies now made to save the financial fortunes of New Zealand. As Mi' Dowtiie Stewart points out, that would lead to national insolvency. Tn the polling to-morrow, the electors have the choice of voting for M.r Greenslade, a pledged supporter of the Coalition. Mr O’Brien, it is admitted ha.s a good record for personal service to the electorate, but bis mind is set on; upsetting the affairs of the country nationally. He is a danger to the public safety in that be would continue -to oppose the Coalition in its mission to save New Zealand from national bankruptcy. The alternative choice is Mr Greenslade, who has the full Government support. He is young and capable, and there is no reason to doubt but that he will work as hard, or harder, than Mr O’Brien for the good of the electorate. A capable, vigorous young man, coming fresh and energetic to the task, should be capable of doing great tilings and accomplishing all things necessary for the progress and advancement of Westland. His whole record suggests confirmation of the opinion as to liis personal capabilities and possibilities, and in supporting him, the electors will not only do a safe thing for Westland, but Will put into Pa,rliaimdnt one who will support the sound administration of the affairs of the Dominion, and not be a break on th>e good intentions of the Government to that end.. We hope 2 to see a real unity of United and Reform forces to that end and so do the electorate proud credit.