The Dominion FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1931. HELPING RATHER THAN HINDERING

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 143, 13 March 1931, Page 8

The Dominion FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 1931. HELPING RATHER THAN HINDERING

Public opinion will endorse strongly, and even tlia " kfull y’ * helpful attitude toward the Government’s programme taken by the Reform Opposition as announced by its Leader Mr. Coates, the House of Representatives yesterday. has recognised that the present economic position had to be tace and that the Prime Minister’s policy, m broad outline if every particular, provided a basis for necessary reforms and economic.. But it was realised, also, that Mr. Forbes could not proceed very far unless the Reform Opposition granted him the Unfortunately there were many reasons, and strong, rea , why Mr. Coates should withhold the password. There was never theless, one compelling motive that, judging from hl ® P' on °Xe was has carried the day with the Opposition Leader. That motive was the national interest. Mr. Coates has preferred to overlook a grem. deal'that has happened in the last two years, sins of commission,” and flagrant offence given, and to place first h.s country’s good. He has returned to the fine tone that marked his 3of resignation in December, 1928, and has used again one of his own phrases, that “it is not my intention to hinder but rather to help.” In view of all that has passed in the interval, Mr. Coates has 'spoken like , a man with a high sense of public responsibi ty and like the sportsman that Mr. Holland called him on the earlier ° CCa Then as now, the Opposition Leader has very properly reserved the right tb criticise. That is a reservation that will be generally . welcomed.because it means that the Governments measures will be subjected to analysis by a Party rich in political and administrative experience. It is'a safeguard that is reassuring considering the comprehensive and far-reaching nature of the proposals to come before Parliament and one that should be welcomed by the Government. The more so because criticism is to be offered m a helpful rather than an obstructive spirit, an undertaking that is supported by the Reform Party’s decision to abstain' from the Address-in-Reply debate so as. to expedite the introduction of the real business. Mr. Coates has already shown how criticism can be helpful by some of the suggestions he advanced yesterday.. He placed, the emphasis: in the right place when he drew .attention to the difficult, ■.-position of primary producers. In New Zealand their- interest is -both fundamental and paramount. He. also got at • the root of the * trouble by his reference to their financial problems and appreciative note should be made of his proposals for ..improving the farmers ■ position.. In fact the Opposition Leader once again showed himself, generous in exposing his hand to the Government* in his laudable desire to serve the country’s need. - ‘ . . . • ’ • There is another reason why the Reform Opposition is rightto reserve the right to criticise.- Perhaps-the present is a,, time for remedial action, and not for crying over spilt milk, but it is hard to forget that the United Government has not, in its past administration, proved a reliable trustee of the national welfare; Citizens will recall its attitude'to defence;'for instance. Nor is it too much to say that by its extravagant expenditure, burdenspme taxation and heavy borrowing, the Government’ ‘ has intensified our economic ’ difficulties. It is well that, while the Reform Party has decided to be helpful, it will continue to be watchful. Such vigilance is called for, not only on account of the Government’s slack record in the past, but because of the necessity for • bracing it up to its present task. To frame a policy is one thing; to apply it is another and more difficult business. And, as has previously been emphasised, the Cabinet lacks administrative strength and efficiency and has need of all the help it can .get. It .may be hoped that it realises its deficiencies and that it will avail itself of the assistance so generously proffered by the Reform Opposition which, despite past rebuffs, continues to deny factional interests and uphold the ideal of national service.