THE CABINET

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 293, 24 September 1935, Page 6

THE CABINET

MR DOWNIE STEWART’S VIEWS.

(Per Press Association). DUNEDIN, Sept. 23

An announcement that he was standing as an Indepenedent Natioalist was made by the Hon. W. Dowme Stewart to the electors of Dunedin West to-night, when he stated that opponents of the Government wanted to end it, whereas he wanted only to mend it. He would give general support to the Government except where he differed on fundamental principles, but reserved the right of free criticism exercised during the last three years. He gave reasons why the Government should not be ousted at a time when the country was just emerging from the depression. The Government was entitled to credit for doing many unpopular things. The speaker also congratulated Mr Coates on the Budget. On the question of the exchange rate, Mr Stewart said lie still maintained, that he was right, but w attempt to reverse the process now either suddenly or gradually, would cause -as much trouble as when the rate was raised. In his opinion the Cabinet required to be drastically reconstructed. He complained that the Prime Minister was too passive while the Minister of Finance was too active.