NEW GOVERNMENT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 42, 30 November 1935, Page 3

NEW GOVERNMENT

LEADERSHIP OF OPPOSITION. MR COATES IS RETICENT. (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, November 29. No detailed information about the leadership or construction of the Opposition in the next Parliament Could be given by the Minister for Finance (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates), who passed through Auckland on his way from Dargaville to Wellington. Mr Coates said there might possibly be an informal discussion on these matters by members of the outgoing Cabinet, which is to meet in Wellington tomorrow. “The verdict of the country is unmistakable,” Mr Coates said, “and I agree with the Prime Minister that it is our duty as the Government to tender our resignations as soon as possible. Personally, I do not want any delay to occur in the change-over, but there are various details in all departments which must be completed before we can in fairness make way for the new Administration.” Mr Coates added that until he interviewed his colleagues' in Wellington he could not state definitely the date from which the resignation of toe National Government would take effect. “One thing of which I am certain,” Mr Coates continued, “is that the country will be handed over to Labour in’ a position for which we need make no excuses. Financially, the country is much more happily placed than it has been for five years at least. I have not yet received details of the accounts as they stand- at the moment but these will be prepared for me in Wellington, and probably will be available before the Government formally tenders its resignation.” Mr Coates mentioned that as a result of prudent finance, there were certain reserves available. Although the prospects for trade overseas were undeniably bright, the' Government had not felt justified in embarking on heavy expenditure until those prospects were translated more into terms of certainty. It had resolutely refused to gamble on the future. “In hand over to Labour,” lie added, “we think we can safely say that we have restored stability after foiu years of extreme difficulty. On those foundations the new Government can build, and if they build wisely they can be assured of our support. However, if any action is taken which, in our view, is not in the interests of the country, we shall have the right ol criticism, --and we shall not be slow to exercise it.” Mr Coates declined to comment on the future of the Reform and United interests in the National Party as the official Opposition. However, he added, there was much to be said for a strong and compact Opposition, v even though it might be outnumbered by the Government by more than two to one. . Questioned above the leadership of the Opposition, Mr Coates said it was a matter for decision by members of the party. Such decision would doubtless be made in due course. MINISTERS TO MEET TO-DAY. THE PENDING RESIGNATION. WELLINGTON, Nov. TJ. Ministers of the Crown will be in Wellington to-morrow morning for the meeting of the Cabinet which has been called by the Prime Minister to decide the course of action. . The Minister for Health (Sir Alexander Young) and the Minister foi Public Works (the Hon. J. Bitchener), both of whom were defeated, arrived at Wellington to-day, and all the Ministers, including the Minister for Finance (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates), will be in Wellington to-morrow. Mr Forbes said to-day that the arrangement for the meeting of the Cabinet ■ to-morrow morning had not been altered, and a decision •as to when the Government would resign would he reached. His feeling was that the resignation should take effect as soon as Mr M. J. Savage (leader of the Labour party), was in a position to respond to the invitation of the Governor-General to form a Cabinet. In the meantime, it is uncertain when the members who were elected to support the Labour party will be meeting in 'Wellington. Mr Savage will arrive at Wellington on Monday morning, and it is anticipated that most of the Labour members will be in Wellington either on that day or on Tuesday. However, in certain electorates there is an element of uncertainty,’ and it may be necessary to await the result of the official count of votes. It may be taken for granted, jyuwever, that the new Labour Government will be in office well before the end of next week.

LABOUR’S PLATFORM. PROVIDING FOR UNEMPLOYED. AUCKLAND, November 29. If sufficient power does not exist under the Unemployment Act to make proper provision for the unemployed before Christmas, the Prime Ministerelect intends to call Parliament together next month to pass legislation. If power exists, Parliament will be called not later than February, and a long session will be held to pass legislation embracing a number of the main planks of the Labour Party’s programme. Mr M. J. Savage informed an interviewer this morning that the Sales Tax would be abolished at tlie earliest possible moment, and steps would be taken to investigate the incidence of taxation generally, with a view to an alteration of the law.

Questioned regarding housing, Mr Savage said he saw no reason why surveys should not be carried out. They

must make it possible for the people to have proper housing facilities. The basis must be tlie question of wages and income. Possibly it would be done through the local bodies, but tlie State must accept financial .responsibility. ACOUNTANTS’ co-operation. THE NEAV ZEALAND SOCIETY. WELLINGTON, Nov. 29 A meeting of the executive of the New Zealand Society of Accountants passed the following motion. “That the New Zealand Society of Accountants, as a non-political oiganisation, offers to the new Government its co-operation for the good of the Dominion. In the past, when called upon by the Government for the time being, the society or its individualmembers have given such assistance as they were able to give, and tlie society will be pleased to render to the present Gavernment such public service as it has given to former Governments.