NO PETTY TACTICS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3966, 9 July 1929, Page 4

NO PETTY TACTICS.

REFORM’S DECISION. GOVERNMENT TO BE HELPED. In* order that the Government might have a tchanoe .to develop its policy the Reform Party 'has decoded not to move an amendment to the Address 'in Reply. An announcement to this effect was made in the House of Representatives by the Leader of the Opposition (the Right Hon. J. G. Coates) last week. “As I see the position,” said Mr. Coates, “and as hon. members surrounding me see the position, we think that the political situation in New Zealand to-day is not such that party tactics should fee resorted to. This is a time when the whole-hearted thought of men' who have their country’s interests at heart is 'required. Further than that, we are anxious to see whether the new Government can put into effect the promises that it made. If "it is able to feting hack prosperity and a condition of affairs that is ip the interest of our community in the very widest sense, then I personally shall be quite satisfied. So I want the Government to know that as far as I am concerned—and I behove that I can spealk for those who are with me —We recognise the difficult position the Government is in, and we are not going to adopt tactics that may fee called harassing .'or petty. I hope that we can take the very Widest view of the situation, and not make their troubles more difficult, but if possible, assist in the good government of the country. That does not in ,any sense mean that we do not hold ourselves open to criticise any proposal of policy, whether legislative or adjministrative, that the Government may bring forward. They will realise, after all, that criticism is essential. The Government have only been in office about seven months, and I must admit they have not had a great opportunity to bring all their proposals before the public. Nevertheless, I should (like to have seen more in the statement that has been submitted 'through His Excellency the Governor-General.” [Mr. .Coates concluded by asking that the Government should be determined —even brave enough to admit where it was wrong in it 3 pre-election promises. It took courage to do it, 'he knew, hut he suggested that it should not hesitate in going back on some of its election planks if it thought it should do so. The Reform side of the House believed that the Government would be doing the right thing in admitting that dt .should go back cn some of the promises, and it would have the support of the Reform Party df it did so. He was referring to any public expenditure which was likely to lead the country into difficulties.

The Minister .of Labour (the Hon. W. A. Veitch) said he greatly appreciated the remarks made by Mr. Coates. They were generous, sportsmanlike, and worthy of the position which Mjr. (Coates held in the House. The Leader of the Opposition had been particularly generous in saying that the Governmnet had not been in office long enough to develop the whole of its policy. The present situation in Parliament was a difficult one, due to several causes.

The Leader of the Opposition: “The misunderstanding of the people.” Mr. Veitch: “Oh no. It may be due to the misundelrstanding of the •needs of the people by the right bon. gentleman. I have no doubt that is the public view.” Mr. Veitch said that everywhere he heard the opinion expressed that the late Prime Minister had carried out his duties sincerely. The only difference ’between the United Party and the Reform Party was a question of what was best for the people of New Zealand. The present Government had no desire to force its opon the House; dn fact, it was not in a position to do so.' The peple of New Zealand had expressed the opinion that a change of Government was necessary, and that change! had taken place. During the session legislation would be introduced which he thought would meet with the general approval of the House and t'he country. He felt certain that as a result of that legislation the country would enter upon a period of prosperity.