Once Again The Old Firm

NZ Truth, Issue 1178, 28 June 1928, Page 6

Once Again The Old Firm

QOBDON COATES is a past master at political palaver. Recently m Wellington, he blinded the faithful at a Reform rally with the science of words. His was a quaint, blending of thistledown and thunder, but many who attended left the rally keenly disappointed. They had expected the leader of the party to' explain the non-fulfilment of his promises of nearly three years ago. Instead of any explanation being forthcoming, only further promises were made, with but little chance of fruition. . Stereotyped reference was also made to the substantial increase of exports over imports—thanks mainly to the high prices obtained for wool. As "managing director," the chief speaker however failed to produoe evidence of any saving effected m his own or other Government departments where the pruning knife could be beneficially applied. , . Dealing with Taxation per head m New Zealand, the Prime Minister correctly quoted £12/5/6 for 1926-27 ; but, unintentionall.y no doubt, he omitted to state that ifor 1,924-25— before he assumed i control — taxation was only j £l2/3/5 per head. ' f ' Fervently pleading with his audience to remember the captain, officers and crew "on deck, " at election time, Gordon.. Qoates waved his arms— and left it at that. / . The seas are not exclusive, and with th.c seeniingly successful christening and launching of another party vessel, only the ballot box can reveal to what extent "Captain" Coates' navigation has satisfied the "passengers."