REFORM’S SETBACK

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3938, 4 May 1929, Page 3

REFORM’S SETBACK

MR. COATES ON FUTURE. VIGOROUS ACTIVITY URGED. “I have confidence in the people of this country. Wjhile we have been discarded, we will nevertheless continue ,to place the interests of our country far above those of our party,” said the Leader of the Opposition (the Right Hon. J. G. Coates), in concluding a spjeech at a dinner at Hastings on Saturday evening. The Reform Party, said Mr. Coates, had had a setback. They were “put up against it,” tout such an experience would serve to 'bring out the best in their supporters. The party still stood for clean government, straightforward dealings without any boasting, and for the careful handling of the country’s affairs. The party had always en- , deavourcd to refrain from the merely spectacular in order to gain public confidence. “We have given to the country that which we have promised,” said Mr. Coates. “We know the economics of the country and we know that the policv of any Government is to do in its power to keep New. Zealand in her present position of prominence, so that wherever New Zealanders go they will be respected and known as people whose word is their bond.” FUTURE NEEDS. Tenacitv of purpose had been required in the past, and, foresight would still he required for the future. He thought that the policy of the party had been the best thing for the country, and that it had taken the safe course to benefit the citizens of New Zealand by every (means in its power. It was said here and there that the party was doing nothing; but he would point out that the work it had already accomplished was the basis of the country’s prosperity. Mr. Coates urged upon all his hearers the necessity for the continuation of vigorous activity, and stressed the ; fact that there Was no easy road to lasting prosperity. Hard work was still required before things could be as they would Hike to see them. The interests of primary production must always come first in importance, and there was need for a measure of co-operation between primary production and all the other industries of the country. Present necessities were reductions in the costs of transportation, an examination of various industries so that an easement might be made to charges, and a general encouragement of industry in general. He repeated that it was impossible to take a short-cut to success, hut that by means of such enterprises as agricultural colleges and industrial and scientific research it would be -possible to bring the right kind of knowledge to those who want it, so that ultimate success would he assured. A good deal of such work had already been done, so that to-day New Zealand was amongst the most advanced countries so far as primary production was concerned. Such methods were not dramatic; they were not spectacular; but they assured progress, which was the Imain thing. Much, he added, remained to be done by way of bringing employers and employed into closer relationship. He regretted that the investigations into the underlying causes of unemployment had not been continued. That work would still have to be done..