The Waikato Times WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 1937. THE WORK AHEAD.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20275, 18 August 1937, Page 6

The Waikato Times WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 1937. THE WORK AHEAD.

It is the intention of the Prime Minister, if his numerous public duties permit, to visit the chief centres of the Dominion. Whether Air Savage intends to address public meetings is not known, but as he would bo accorded civic Avolcomes at each centre the opportunity would be provided for a statement with regard to the plans of the Government during the coming session. The national superannuation scheme will not be ready for presentation to Parliament until a fairly late date, and that can well be understood, for Mr Nash collected much information on the matter during his trip abroad and doubtless it will be useful in devising a practical plan. This farreaching legislation may be linked with that of national health insurance, a matter on which the Government will have the report of the special committee, but it is not known how far the preparatory work lias been carried. However, probably the scope of iho plan has been decided and the Prime Minister could give the community some idea of what it is intended to do. • Then among the major measures will be that providing for the thorough overhaul of the education system of the Dominion. This has had the attention of the Minister ever since he took office, and Air Fraser should be ready to introduce the Bill at an early sitting. The party programme contained a pledge to “ reorganise the education system to provide the possibilities of advancement for all o.ur children.” The work is to cover the course from kindergarten to the university, with smaller classes and better accommodation. It will be one of the most important policy measures of the present Parliament, and there is no reason why, if the legislation is ready, the Prime Minister should not, in his speeches, give some idea of the line of approach favoured by the Government. One issue that is likely to create widespread interest is the amalgamation of local bodies. The opposition to the plans outlined by tho Minister of Internal Affairs is growing, and it seems probable that Mr Parry will have to steer the Bill through the House with the weight of local body opinion against it. The principle is not opposed but the methods favoured by the Minister, the amalgamation of the larger bodies first, arc directly contrary to the views -f those engaged in local body work. These may be the policy measures, but the Budget always contains particulars with regard to the vital question of finance. With a surplus in last 3 cars accounts ami a, very buoyant revenue this year hopes are entertained that the Minister' o£ Finance will be able to reduce the burden of taxation, in accordance with the pledge given by its leader. U sually l he head of the Government delivers a pro-sessional address, hut on lids occasion the absence of Mr Savage from the Dominion may have made that difficult, so that, if ho should be able to pay the visits mentioned, the people would understand and welcome any departure from the more formal reply to any welcome and the substitution of a review ut the plans which the Administration has in mind for the