FOE COUNTRY'S WELFARE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 130, 4 June 1931, Page 12

FOE COUNTRY'S WELFARE

INDEPENDENT MEMBERS' SUGGESTION As an alternative to tho Prime Minister's proposal for the formation of a National Government, which was recently rejected by the Leader of the Opposition, three of the Independent members of tho House of ■Representatives—Messrs. C. A. Wilkinson (Egmont), J. S. Fletcher (Grey Lynn), and G. C. C. Black (Motueka) —suggest in a joint statement released for publication to-day that as soon as Parliament meets at the end of this month tho Government should resign in order to permit the House to choose a Cabinet and 'a leader to pilot tho Dominion during its present economic troubles. The statement is as follows:—,

'' It is obvious to ... every earnest student of the political situation that the country is facing a great national, economic, and political crisis, and that the position calls for all parties to lay aside.every thought of party advantage and join in a common effort to bring the country back to a state of prosperity. "The offer submitted by the Eight Hon. Mr. Forbes, Prime Minister, to Mr. Coates, his party, and others, to join hands in the formation of a National Government, having been rejected by the Eefonn Party, and the Prime Minister's acceptance of the position, leaves the field clear for further suggestions*. "We venture to suggest an alternative —namely, that immediately upon Parliament being summoned, the Government should resign and tho whole House of Representatives then choose a Cabinet, which Cabinet would in turn choose its leader. The idea of an elected Cabinet is not new, and there may be objections to such a course being adopted, but if tho matter were considered by members laying aside their party view-point and concentrating on the national need, it is probable that a very satisfactory Cabinet could be chosen to deal with the situation with which tho country is confronted to-day. CABINET OF TEN. "We further suggest that the Cabinet bo reduced to ten members, including one from tho Legislative Council (obviously this would be a real economy). With the practical elimination of the portfolios of Railways and Defence (both Departments being now almost nominal), and a re-arrangement of portfolios, wo do not think there would be any difficulty in this respect. "Wo are also of opinion that in order .to further economise, the personnel^ of .the Legislative Council, as soon as vacancies occur, should be reduced to not moro than thirty members... . "It appears to us that there aro at least. five outstanding questions which cain only; .bo dealt with, successfully by a-'united Parliament: — "(1).T.h0 position of our farmers today, because of economic stress, is seriously hampered, and many aro likely to be forced off the land. To j meet this situation, wo think more drastic measures than anything hitherto attempted will necessarily have to be devised and enforced. " (2) The unemployment question has so developed as to bo a grave menace1 to th-o national welfare, and unless an improvement is effected, the present method of affording relief must inevitably break down. "(3) The question of finance is so interwoven with the above matters which must be faced that it would be impossible to prepare a Budget until they are dealt with. Finance is therefore our third item of importance. "(4) The fourth item of policy that calls for consideration is the development of industry, and we consider that many further industries could bo established successfully in New Zealand. Every avenue should be explored, whether it bo land settlement, mining development, carbonisation of coal, goldmining, dredging, etc. The question of encouraging British manufacturers to establish branch plants in the Dominion calls for careful study and close investigation . (for instance, motor tire manufacture and the production of motor spirit from crude oil). Canada lias been most successful in getting industries established, and we can surely follow, to some extent, in the footsteps of our greater sister : Dominion.- These suggestions, if given effect to, would'not only provide employment- for our men, but would help to provide work for women as well. We are certain that much could bo ilono in those directions, but considerable enterprise on tho part of Parliament would bo necessary.

"(5) The fifth important matter for ■consideration of the new. Government to be established would bo the appointment o| a delegation to attend the British Economic Conference to bo held at Ottawa this year. _ This conferenco is ■ really a continuation of the last Imperial Conference (which proved such an utter, failure), and the deliberations and conclusions arrived at may mean either the continuation or downfall of the British Commonwealth. SERIOUS COMPETITION. "To emphasise this point wo might refer to the serious competition we are facing and the still moro threatening competition looming up in our principal market (Britain), in connection with the products which we export, and upon which our Dominion relies for economic existence —this competition coming from nations with a much lower standard of living than our own. " The Tack of co-ordination at present existing between the various self-gov-erning Dominions, leading to a trade war and antagonism, are clear indications of the position into which we are drifting as a Commonwealth of British Nations."