OTHER PAPERS’ OPINIONS.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 311, 24 October 1929, Page 4

OTHER PAPERS’ OPINIONS.

“THE GOVERNMENT IS SICK.” There can be no question but that a feeling of disquietude is becoming very evident throughout the Dominion in regard to the conduct of affairs by the Government. Securing office as the result of a revolt by the electors against the talk and tinker methods of the Coates Ministry, the United Party had a glorious chance to concentrate on a few main problems, the bulk of which were centred round the land question and the unemployment situation. These the party have tackled in a very hesitating manner, and somewhat dissipated their energies in side issues, and if their efforts to provide a solution of the main items have not exactly captured the imagination of the populace, the Government must at least be given credit for dealing with these problems which the previous Government shirked.

The hesitancy and silence of Ministers on many points, and their obvious lack of frankness when making statements, is, however, without a doubt now producing a feeling of uneasiness throughout the Dominion, which is largely discounting much of the good work the Party has done. Admittedly the Government holds the reins of office with little power, while a further most severe handicap is the unfortunate illness which has afflicted their leader, Sir Joseph Ward, who for statesmanlike qualities, towers above his contemporaries. The main trouble appears to be that the present is a one man Government, and without their leader members of the Ministry have been unable to steer clear of the sometimes very obvious pitfalls which menace the political path.

With luck—in generous proportions—the Government may yet pull through, for unemployment seems in a fair way to being banished for the time being, and the Land Bill, if wisely administered, may be the

means of providing a deal more prosperity.

The fact remains, however, that without the services of the Prime Minister, members of the Ministry cut a somewhat sorry figure, and it is a high compliment to Sir Joseph Ward, as well as a fair summing up of the political situation, to say that the Government is sick.—Matamata Record.