THE COUNTRY'S WELFARE

Otago Witness, Issue 4030, 9 June 1931, Page 31

THE COUNTRY'S WELFARE

GREAT NATIONAL CRISIS MANIFESTO BY INDEPENDENTS The following statement was issued yesterday by three independent members of the House of Representatives—Air C. A. Wilkinson (Egmont), Mr J. S. Fletcher (Grey Lynn), and Mr G. C. Black (Alotueka). — It is obvious to every earnest student of the political situation, that the conn try is facing a great national, economic, and political crisis, and that the position calls for all parties to lay aside every thought of party advantage, and join in a common effort to bring the country back to a state of prosperity. The offer submitted by Mr Forbes. Prime Minister. to 'Mr Coates, his party, and others, to join hands in the formation of a National Government, having been rejected by the Reform Party, and the Prime Minister’s acceptance of the position, leaves the field clear for further suggestions. We venture to suggest an alternative —namely, that immediately upon Parliament being summoned, the Government should resign, and the whole House of Representatives then choose a Cabinet, which Cabinet would in turn choose its Leader. The idea of an elected Cabinet is not new. and there may be objections to such a course being adopted, hut if the matter were considered by members laying aside their party view point and concentrating on the national need, it is probable that a very satis factory Cabinet could be chosen to deal with the situation with which the country is confronted to-dav.

We further suggest that the Cabinet be reduced to 10 members, including one from the Legislative Council (obviously this would be a real economy). With the practical elimination of ’ the portfolios of railways and defence (both departments being now almost nominal), and a re arrangement of portfolios, wt do not think there would be any difficulty in this respect. We are also of opinion that in order further to economise, the personnel of the Legislative Council, as soon as vacancies occur, should be reduced to not more than 30 members. It appears to us that there arc at least five outstanding questions, which can only be dealt with successfully by a United Parliament. (1) The position of our farmers today. because of economic stress, is seriously hampered, and many are likely to be forced off the land. To meet this situation we think more drastic measures than anything hitherto attempted will necessarily have to be devised and enforced. (2) The unemployment question has so developed as to be a grave menace to the national welfare, and unless an improvement is effected, the present method of affording relief must inevitably break down. (3) The question of finance is so interwoven with the above matters which must be faced that it would be impossible to prepare a Budget until they are dealt with. Finance is therefore our third item of importance. (4) The fourth item of policy that calls for consideration* is the development of industry, and we consider that many further industries could be established successfully in New Zealand. Every avenue should be explored, whether it be land settlement, mining development, carbonisation of coal, goldmining, dredging, etc., etc.

Hie question of encouraging British manufacturers to establish branch plants in the Dominion calls for careful study and close investigation (for instance, motor tyre manufacture, and the production of motor spirit -from crude oil). Canada has been most successful in getting industries established, and we can surely follow, to some extent, in the footsteps of our greater sister Dominion. These suggestions, if given effect to, would not only provide employment for oui men. but would help to provide work for women as well: we are certain that much could be done in these directions, but considerable enterprise on the part of Parliament would be necessary. (5) The fifth important matter for consideration of the new Government to be established would be the appointment of a delegation to attend the British Economic Conference to be held at Ottawa this year. This conference is really a continuation of the last Imperial Conference (which proved such an utter failure), and the deliberations and conclusions arrived at may mean either the continuation or downfall of the British Commonwealth.

To emphasise this point we might refer to the serious competition we are facing, and the still more threatening competition looming up in our principal market (Britain), in connection with the products which we export, and upon which our Dominion relies for economic existence—this competition coming from nations with a much lower standard ol living than our own. The lack of co-ordination at present existing between the various self-govern-ing dominions, leading to a state of trade war and antagonism, are clear indications of the position into which we are drifting as a Commonwealth of British Nations. MR COATES INTERVIEWED OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCUSSION LATER. GISBORNE, June 4. The substance of the announcement by Independent members of Parliament was conveyed to the Leader of the Opposition (Air J. G. Coates) in-Gisborne to-day, with the request for comment. Mr Coates stated that he did not wish to discuss the proposals at the present juncture. He indicated that there would be ample opportunity for discussion later of this and other plans for adjusting the existing state of affairs in Parliament.