ADDRESS-IN-REPLY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 237, 7 October 1933, Page 12

ADDRESS-IN-REPLY.

DEBATE TERMINATES.

PRIME MINISTER'S REVIEW.

LABOUR PARTY GLOOM. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporters WELLINGTON, Friday. After spreading itself over eight sitting days, the Address-iri-Reply debate terminated in the House of Representatives this afternoon. The total number of speakers was 50.

In winding up the discussion, the Prime Minister said he had no complaint to make about the time that had been taken up by the Address-in-Reply debate, as he considered it was a good thing to allow members to commence the session with a general discussion of the country's problems. He felt, however, that the Government had emerged from the debate with honours, and that all arguments which had been advanced from the Labour benches had been satisfactorily answered. "There was a time," said Mr. Forbes, "when Mr. Holland referred to me as the prophet of gloom, but I think my mantle has been transferred to the Leader of the Labour j party. He can see nothing but signs of disaster and gloom."

Mr. Holland: I only see disaster and gloom when I look straight ahead.

Mr. Forbes said the Government pursued its .course regardless of considerations of popularity. The Labour party, on the other hand, was endeavouring to keep up an atmosphere of gloom.

Referring to the success of the conversion loan, the Prime Minister said it should be a matter for gratification to the people of the Dominion to know that the country was held in such high regard at Home.

Mr. Coates: A well-governed com munity.

Mr. Forbes said people at Home were very complimentary about the manner in which New Zealand had been administered, and the remark was often made to him, "Well done, New Zealand." The general opinion was that the Government had done well.

A Labour Member: You have done everybody.

Mr. Forbes eaid New Zealand had had to tread unknown paths, but he was glad to say that the country was coming out of its difficulties. #