TROUBLES OF THE GOVERNMENT.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20773, 6 February 1933, Page 8

TROUBLES OF THE GOVERNMENT.

... , - - .I--' —— CABINET AND MEMBERS. DIFFICULT questions still TO BE SETTLED. [Fuom Our Parliamentary Rjepoiitek.] WELLINGTON, February 5. Although the Coalition Government has escaped defeat on the exchange issue, after the keenest debate since the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act was amended during the brief session of 1932, it would be too much to pretend that its troubles arj now over for the session. At tho moment, indeed, there are many difficulties in prospect, and although, the determination of the Coalition members to stand together in so critical a time may overcome them, the possibility remains that they may overcome the Coalition. ] n a recent message mention was made of the Government's unpreparedness, its failure to lay down a plan of legislation for the session, and its apparent ignorance whether somo of the most important measures still on the Order Paper were to be cast out or proceeded with. Although various proposals for the country's relief, in addition to the raising of the exchange rate, were discussed in vague terms at the caucus that preceded the reopening of the .session, members of: the Government Party themselves are for tho most part totally ignorant of what to expect during the next few weeks, and in such an atmosphere of uncertainty small differences of opinion are easily and quickly magnified. The Rank and File. The resignation of Mr Stallworthy is no great loss or surprise to tho Government, for during tho wholo of the session lio has been virtually a member of the Opposition, but there is no denying that some of the sentiments which he expressed in his letter of resignation, notably his criticism of Cabinet's increasing disregard for tho opinions- of the rank and file, are shared by a great many, if not by the majority of Government members. Since the beginning of the present session in September, 1032, only three Government- caucuses have been held, and of these one was called recently for general discussion of the high exchange policy, and another last December to consider the adjournment of tho House. Of tho individual measures brought down in the early i part of the session many members knew literally nothing in advance, with tho eonscqucnco that some of them, the ( Poultry Amendment Bill, tho Dehorning of Cattle Bill, and the Stock Medi-i cines Bill, had to be hurriedly shelved on account of the opposition with which they wcro received in the Government benches. This gulf between Cabinet and Party members seems still to be widening, and it is potentially a grave danger to the Coalition. The Sales Tax. At present there is a great deal of vaguo talk among members about interest reductions, new taxation, and tariff revisions, but of details of legislation which the Government is supposed to have been working out during tho recess they know nothing. The consequence will bo that when o/ie or two of tho more contentious of "those measures arc brought before the House, the battle of tho exchange rate may be fought all over again, but with this difference, that with each successive conflict tho Government's chances of victory arc likely to diminish. Thcro is already, for instance, the prospect of a long struggle over tho sales tax legislation, which is openly condemned by some members because it imposes further burdens on tho same classes of the community who suffered most from the raising of tho exchahgo rate. Some members suggest that at such time as the present, when it is so difficult to judge the temper of tho House, the Government should take its supporters into fullest confidence and hold regular discussions with them on legislation whieh it is planning. They contend that tho Cabinet executive seems to have all too little regard for tho opinions of its members, and that much as they may bo impressed with the need for firm government, tho rank and file arc not likely to tolerate this position indefinitely.

Relations in the Cabinet. What is more, there is reason to believe that Cabinet itself is no longer the "happy family" that the Prime Minister once claimed it was. Certainly its members are no longer in fullest sympathy with one another, and long and trying discussions on the exchange issue, following immediately upon the heavy work of the session, .have not done anything to reconcile them. It must be remembered that Ministers who constitute the present Cabinet have had to bear more worry and responsibilities than any of their predecessors in office, and it would, perhaps, be surprising if, under such circumstances they could remain perfectly in accord. But that is no reason why their obvious disaccord should be viewed with any less concern, for in such an atmosphere as has surrounded the House during the past week, it gives strength to tho forces of instability which are already threatening the Coalition Party. It is no exaggeration to describe the present condition of the Party as critical, and if stable government is to be maintained, tact on the part of the leaders is fully as necessary as loyalty from the rank and file.'

Somewhat angered by attacks on its policy which have been made by many of the newspapers of the Dominion, Cabinet has decided that it is "in the public interest" not to issue any advance information of its legislative plans. Consequently the simplest and most straightforward enquiries by press representatives are now evaded or put off, and it is impossible to indicate officially from week to week even what legislation is expected in tho House. The Minister for Finance, the Bt. Hon. J. G. Coate3, who has been sharply criticised in the editorial columns of more than one paper, went so far in a speech in the House on Friday, as to accuse the press of retaliation because the higher exchange rate has placed a burden on the industry which it represents. When the Leader of the Opposition, Mr H. E. Holland, questioned him before the adjournment on Friday the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W, Forbes, said merely that during the coming week members would consider and discuss Bills on the Order Paper, beginning with the Small Farms (Rel'ief of Unemployment) Bill, which is in the charge "of Mr Coateg. It is known, however, that the Minister for Finance has completed the preparation of his taxation measures, and that these will bo submitted for Cabinet's approval at an early meeting. If that approval is given, they may be expected in tho House later in tho week, together with tlie Customs resolutions about which ther« has been so much secrecy.