WELLINGTON TOPICS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1932, Page 6

WELLINGTON TOPICS

THE OTTAWA DELEGATION. PRIME MINISTER’S WITHDRAWAL. (From a Correspoiiuent). WELLINGTON, June 10. Though it was whispered abroad in political circles during the week end that there were likely to be changes in the composition of the Dominion’s delegation to the Ottawa Conference, it was not until late last night that it became at all widely known that the Prime Minister had decided that his duty lay in. remaining in New Zealand. “The representation of the New Zealand,’’ he had communicated to the Press, “ will accordingly be the Right Hon J. G. Coates >md the Hon. Downie Stewart. I have the utmost confidence in their ability to perform the task that lies in front of them, and .p am convinced that the interests of New Zealand will be the best ser\eJ by the arrangement now made.” This rearrangement seems to have met with general approval; but t apparently it does not please some of Mr' Coates’ personal friends why may think he still would be better occupied as Minister of Employment.

MAY ALSO WITHDRAW. That Mr Coates himself would much prefer remaining here to proceeding to Ottawa' . undpr. existing, circumstances''’goes* "without saying but the suggestion, fhat., lie tdP W.ill abandon the trip' is - .'scarcely credible, . The ‘‘Dominion, ’-’ hdw'eyerhaving .admittedsomewhat .grudgingly, the need for Mr Forbes’ ' withdrawal, implies that Mr Coates may follow the t; Prime Minister’s lead. Having endorsed the statement that in the circumsances Mr Forbes should remain in New Zealand, it goes on to say that Mr Coates all along has been reluctant to undertake this mission, feeling- that his duties as Minister of Employment require his. presence in New Zealand “It is more than likely,” it goes on to ■sav in discussing the subject, “that he will insist on his view being accepted my Cabinet and, like Mr Forbes, and for similar reasons withdraw from the delegation.” This reads like business of an interesting nature which might develop into an interesting denouement • ' - /

PRODUCERS’ INTERESTS. The parliamentary representatives oi the “Dominion” is a little more assertive .in regard to the attitude of Mr Coates towards his Ottawa commitment than is the editor of his pap-, er. “it was only after considerable pressure had been brought to beat upon him, particularly by primary producing interests,” this authority avers, “that Mr Coates consented,to go to Ottawa; but in "spite of-the fact that nothing was said at the time the delegation was announced, he made it quite clear that he considered the time was most inopportune for-him to .leave the country, and that if he found his duties at home were tco pressing he would have no hesitation in withdrawing.” No doubt a statement to this effect was made quite frankly in Cabinet by Mr Coates, but it scarcely can have been intended to bear the purport that upon Mr Forbes withdrawing from the delegation his lieutenant would be free to follow euit.

FEELS UNWILLING. The parliamentary authority quoted by the morning newspaper., seems to be better informed concerning Mr Coates intention that is the Prime Minister himself. “Although the Government lias chosen Mr Coates and Mr Stewart to represent New Zealand at the Ottawa Conference,” this guidance declares, “it is fairlv definitely understood that Mr Coates does not fmel himself free to go. I'or this reason there is little likelihood of hi,, attending the Conference, ancl it is expected that an announcement to this'effect will be made within the next week, or ten days.” The stay at home feeling is by no means uncommon when tiresome obligations have to be dscharged; but Mr Coates now 7 1n ., had six or seven months in which to put his employment scheme into working order, and with the Prime Minister and seven other of his colleagues at bis disposal he surely might venture a-s far away as Ottawa to ''discharge the all important duties awaiting 'Mr Stewart and himself there.