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Hokitika Guardian, 5 December 1931, Page 4

It is rather to he regretted that the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Holland) and some of the supporters of the Labour party are more concerned with place and power, than with the necessity of co-operating with the Government in a national effort to set the affairs of the country right. The position as expounded by Mr Downie Stewart in respect to the finances, leave no doubt that the situation and prospects are serious- The country is being crippled by the decreased returns from the produce of the Dominion, and the falling revenue is hampering the finance seriously. It will not be a surprise if an session is called. Such was hinted' at before the last Parliament dissolved, and February wa;s mentioned as the probable time. By then, a closer estimate in respect to the year’s revenue can he made, and there will he some idea, for the Treasury authorities to know how the income tax is coming !in. It is feared that despite the earlier efforts to balance the Budget for this year, some further action might he necessary. Much general information was given the Parbitmentarv Committee, so that Mr Holland and his colleagues should have a good knowledge of the position. Tf as has been foreor ted, the early session will j he convened, and it mav b*» assumed the Government will unite the position , clear, the door would he open for Labour to offer to co-operate nation- j ally. Previously Mr Holland made the impossible reservation that to co-

operate with the Government, tire Labour party required their policy to be adopted. That was much on the lines of the Labour attitude at Home when the majority of the members declined to work in with the National Government which was set up. Although Labour stocks here did not fall as palpably as they did at Home, if the opportunity is not availed at the second offering, the bulk of the public may take a different view to that expressed this week. Members arc non; returned at this time for party considerations, but mainly for the good of the country as a whole. Mr Forbes stressed this, point in Iris speech over the air on Wednesday, night, and no doubt would accept, • Labour help if tendered in the right co-operative spirit for the benefit of the country as a whole.