Value of Pledged Word

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 105, 27 January 1933, Page 11

Value of Pledged Word

Sir, —We cannot get away from the fact that restoration of confidence is the one thing needful to help things along in these times. But how is it to be brought about if we cannot depend on the assurances given us by those in whose hands the Government of this country rests? At two recent periods the Prime Minister distinctly pledged his word that there would not be interference by the Government in the matter of exchange. He not only went back on that, but he compelled the banks, in whose hands he stoutly asserted the settlement of the question rested, to come into line. Now he assures us in quite as solemn and emphatic a manner that there will be no increase of the unemployment tax. Can we rest assured that there will be no backing down on this? How can confidence be restored when reliance cannot be placed on the utterances of our public men? In a day or two very many members of the House of Representatives will east their votes on a matter in which they have a direct personal interest, and designed to aid them at. the expense of other sections of the community. Would the Speaker not be justified, nay would it not be his duty, to make an appeal to conscience and remind members that regard for principle, decency and honour should interpose a bar to the recording of some votes -when a division is called for? —I am, etc., VERITAS. Wellington, Jan. 26.