"KEEP REFORM OUT"

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 115, 17 May 1930, Page 10

"KEEP REFORM OUT"

ME. M'COMBS'S TRIBUTE

"Whatever happens in. the near future, Mr. Coates and his party must not'be allowed to regain the Treasury ■ ' benches.':' This statement was made by Mr. J. M'Combs, Labour .member for Lyttelton, commenting in Christehurch on the iehanged political outlook. - ,Mr. M'Combs remarked that the re-, signation of Sir Joseph Ward would create serious problems for the United Party, which' had a number of leaders but no outstanding personality who might be described as a great Liberal or a great Democrat. Among those who might be in the running was Sir Thomas Sidey, but he was no longer in the representative Chamber and consequently would be precluded. '' Sir Joseph was, and still is, a great Parliamentarian, who loved the fray and understood the moods and changing tempers of the House as few men could," said Mr. M'Combs. "He knew when he could press an advantage or gain a point, and hs knew also when, it was .wise to postpone a decision and wait for a more opportune moment. Parliament had indeed become his sphere. He lived its life, and although ho has many achievements to his credit and can retire with honour, I can quite understand his regret. "Sir Joseph Ward's indisposition had certain advantages as well as disadvantages. Last session there was Very little acrimonious debate, due partly to the suavity of the leader, but also because the House wished to show consideration for a champion who had spent long years in the service of- his country. - For the same reason, the ■work of the House was done in more reasonable hours. It is true that the Standing Orders had been altered, on the recommendation of a committee ■which sat in the recess, but it is true also that Parliament can suspend its own Standing. Orders. It is to be hoped that the advantage thus gained will be preserved and that Parliament ■will continue to do its work in reasonable hours."