The Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1944. A Capable, Virile Party

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 58, 11 March 1944, Page 4

The Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 1944. A Capable, Virile Party

A standard of quality long absent from but all too few of Parliamentary speeches has been revealed in the current session—from rank and file members, largely in maiden speeches from the ranks of the Opposition. Tire style set in the so notable speech delivered by Mr. S. G. Holland, National Party leader, when opening the Address-in-Keply debate has been maintained by his followers. The tone has been objective, directed towards the problems confronting the Dominion, many of which are so grave indeed. Recriminations, trivialities and personalities have been ignored. Criticism when given has in general been constructive. At times not so, for the very simple reason that the Government has largely befogged many matters and been unduly secretive upon others; where facts are unknown it is difficult to suggest remedies. There have been declared certain fundamental principles of highest consequence. The excellent maiden speech of Mr. Oram (Oroua) provides a case in point. Here was a close and clear analysis of principles of government, whence power was derived, the duties accompanying its exercise and the rights of citizens in a free democratic community. Then further there was given an example of the richness of talent within the National Party by the same speaker’s enunciation of views on education: A most significant and timely and also most heartening speech was that from Mr. Sim (Rotorua), a returned soldier of this war. One who has every right to voice his views, having lost his left eye, right arm and possessing a stiff right leg. His message was the responsibility felt by returned men and men still abroad, and of their desire to continue serving their country in the peace to follow. As one of these men, he voiced a sense of responsibility and a desire to serve—as a civilian unit in a normal way, in both private and public activities. Just as have the vast majority of veterans of World War I served the community in the years since 1918. It is men of such character and principle who have added their numbers to strengthen the Opposition in a degree far beyond mere counting of heads. The National Party has gained 17 new, over-all young and virile members to its ranks as a result of the 1943 election. The governing Labour Party gained but three new recruits, only one of whom shows any jiromise whatsoever. A notable change in the Opposition party’s composition has come about —it is no longer one to be dubbed as “farmer dominated.” Within its ranks now are men widely representative, widely experienced, highly regarded and successful men of the various communities from which they have been drawn. Men of knowledge, capacity and experience. The National procedure of constantly sitting study committees is employing well the talents available to determine its policy toward the many great problems of State now forced by circumstance before the Legislature. That contributes to the education of new members and, too, the inspiration of the more experienced. A remarkable change has come upon the atmosphere of the House with the opening of this session; one almost certain to remain throughout the life of this Parliament. It is the Opposition and not the Government, despite the latter’s majority of seats, which now dominates Parliament. Not only does the Labour Party lack fresh blood, but its veteran ranks have been drawn from so narrow a source that it lacks resources of talent. By and large, the Government is a governing instrument composed of trade union secretaries; and but little else. Estimable and capable though several of these gentlemen unquestionably are they do not possess in their ranks the all-round talent and experience required to combat the manifold and frequently difficult problems confronting governments the world over. That is a weakness not alone of the Government but one reflected in the Dominion’s affairs. Labour has become in the Dominion an aged and weary party; with a slackness inevitable from such a state now manifest in its handling of the country’s affairs. Once members of the present Government taunted its opposites as “The Old Gang.” To-day sees that cry boomeranging back—for now the Labour Government of 1944 is the Old Gang. In contrast stands a virile, youthful Opposition, possessing character and capability to dominate the House. Si(eh a force must surely and steadily gain respect and an ever-increasing following throughout the Dominion. Well may it be said —there is the Government to be in two and a-half years’ time.

Horticultural Points Prizes Points prizes at the Palmerston North Horticultural Society’s dahlia show on Thursday were won as follow: Open section, Mr. H. Silson; amateur dahlias, Mrs. C. R. Hunt; novice dahlias, Miss R. Sanson; cut flowers, Mrs. M. Leicester; vegetables, Mr. E. Clausen 1, Mr. J. Dockerty 2; decorative, Mrs. C. Ax. By special arrangement Reuter’s world service, in addition to other special compilation of oversea intelligence published in this issue, and all rights therein in Australia and New Zealand are reserved. 4

Destroyed Ballot Papers Tho following resolution was passed at the monthly meeting of the Palmerston North branch of tho Democratic Labour Party: “That this meeting expresses concern at the burning of the overseas ballot papers and urges that the Government institute an investigation into the matter.’* The Veterans Vase changes hands and goes home once more. A team from Northern visited Manawatu yesterday and defeated Manawatu by 28 points to 14. The rinks Were: —Northern: Andrews, McPherson, Ross, Hodder (s) 28; Manawatu: McLeod, Beatson, Bates, Blake (s) 14.