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The Daily News. SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 1917. THE NEW SESSION OF PARLIAMENT

With the opening of Parliament on 'riiursiwy lumbers will enter upon a session that (bids fair to (be of more than usual importance. The Governor-Gen-eral's speech, as was anticipated, was little more than a recital of .past happenings, but in the final portion we are told that the existence of a National Government prohibits the inclusion in' the programme of legislation of aViy measures other than such as are necessary to enable our country to carry out its obligations to assist in (bringing the wai to an early and successful conclusion, That statement, while implying the. a!bsence of contentious measures, would seem to indicate that the session would ■be marked by unanimity among the members in furthering the one great Object on which the whole Empire is at present concentrating its efforts, (but there are plentiful indications that the proceedings in 'Parliament will 'be by no means free from friction as the result of the feeling of dissatisfaction which undoubtedly exists throughout the Dominion at the shortcomings of the Government in relation to matters concerning the part in the war. It has been most unfortunate in the past that our National Government has so signally failed to realise its duty in this exceptional time of stress and sacrifice, 'but it must Ibe rememlbered the situaation was unprecedented and that it is very difficult, if not impossible, for those who have always been aible to lean upon precedents for a guide to suddenly throw away the prop and act promptly, wisely and vigorously. Even the most ardent admirers of the present Ministry, if there are any such left, would hardly venture to credit the members of the present Government with initiative anc resourcefulness, but at least they can be initiative, and as Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward have for some months been in personal contact with the forceful leaders in the Motherland, especially with such a man of the hour as Mr Lloyd George, they can hardly fail to have become imbued with the spirit which actuates the Government of the Motherland. So far our war legislation can only be described as a series ol chilly blasts and hot winds and that is why so much dissatisfaction is felt at the unsatisfactory results of ill-con-sidered measures. The fault, however, does not entirely rest on the contents of Acts of Parliament, several of which were, in themselves devised on apparently reasonable lines, but it is the administration of the lawn by boards that

the trouble lias arisen in some, though not Ibv any weans all, cases The House will probably .be asked this session to amend many defects and to supplement past legislation in order to adjust it to present conditions. The question of taxation will also arise, and will be sure to prove a thorny iproMcm. IWhat the country as a 'whole feels is that Ministers must no longer keep ono eye on their supporters and constituencies and the other on -war measures. The time has come when all fear of (political consequences must 'be cast aside and a bold, fearless attitude adapted that ■will further the prosecution of the war, but not by causing undue hardships on any section of the community or inflicting unnecessary sacrifices on those who are called upon to take an active part in the war. The question of the high cost of ( living as well as that of inflated profits demands drastic treatment. Hitherto the attempts to deal with such matters have been so feeble as to cast grave discredit on the Government. Now that our two leaders have seen hojw the interests of the people can be protected there is no excuse 'for further dallying. All that the people af the Dominion require is a fair deal, and they naturally resent all favoritism whether in military or civil affairs. They are fully prepared and will gladly embrace the opportunity of giving whole hearted support to an equitable and progressive policy. They are tired of the dry bones conduct of affairs and are yearning for a virile administration actuated 'by a desire to do the right thing by the people in all matters affected 'by the war. The country is doing its duty well on the whole in all matters pertaining to war efforts, and it looks to the Government for a lead worthy oif the great crisis. The experience and enlargement of view that our Hivo political leaders have obtained need only to be supplemented with initiative, boldness and justice to set straight the many kinks that are now only too apparent. Will they rise to the occasion? It is hoped they will not only do that, but wir also exhibit a rigidity of purpose and fair mindedness that will in a large measure compensate for the great sacrifices the bul'k of manhood of the country is now making, and for the sufferings of the bereaved relatives. With the prospect of a prolonged war and the utmost drain on our man power and financial resources it is imperative that the gravity of the position should be recognised and dealt with in a broad liberal spirit so that efficiency may ibe promoted, injustices removed, and the iburdons so adjusted as to fall on the i shoulders of those test able to 'bear them. (Parliament should this session profit by the lessons and experiences of the past, do its best to remedy grievances that have arisen, and place the people o,f the country in a position that will enable them to cheerfully assist in furthering the Empire's cause, relying on the Government to see that every man, woman and child shall have a fair deal.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TDN19170630.2.19

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Taranaki Daily News, 30 June 1917, Page 4

Word count
Tapeke kupu
952

The Daily News. SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 1917. THE NEW SESSION OF PARLIAMENT Taranaki Daily News, 30 June 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 1917. THE NEW SESSION OF PARLIAMENT Taranaki Daily News, 30 June 1917, Page 4

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