WIDENED SPHERE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 170, 20 July 1936, Page 5

WIDENED SPHERE.

PARLIAMENT'S DUTIES.

EXTENDED RESPONSIBILITY.

SAVAGE'S VIEW.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

The Prime Minister's view of the extended responsibility of Parliament in modern times is expressed by him in interesting terms in the course of a foreword which he has written for a "Guide to Parliament," for the use of those who will listen in to some of its deliberations. Urging the people to fully utilise the facilities enabling them to enjoy the privilege of learning for themselves how Parliament does its work, the Right Hon. M. J. Savage states that in the past the institution appeared to be one in which the man-in-tlie-street need not be interested. "But these are changed times," he continues. "Parliament under our democratic Constitution is the mainspring of governmental power, and it has lonn" departed from the old conception that the only function of government •was to keep the ring clear for the play and inter-play of unrestricted individual competition, and the operation _of the law of supply and demand. Left to themselves, these forces developed serious injustices —'laissez faire' became a callous doctrine which can better be described in the old saying, The devil take the hindmost.' "

"Parliament," continues _ the Prime Minister, "has been intervening lor many years for the purpose of lightening the more serious social injustices due t unrestricted individual competition, and that process has been enormously hastened by pressure of events. The Government is definitely makm itsel responsible in large measure for the maintenance of a reasonable and decent standard of life for all the people, and the Government of which I have the

honour and privilege of being the head is engaged upon a programme of social improvement which holds out -bright prospects for every . man, woman and child in this Dominion.

"We canot bring the people to Parliament, but through the medium of radio broadcasting we can bring Parliament to the people, so that at their own firesides they may listen to the most important discussions of questions vitally affecting their own lives —the control of thenworking conditions and the reward for service, the improvement of their dwellings -and the provision which the community, through its agent, the Government, is willing to make for all who are handicapped in life's battle."