A SIMPLE ISSUE

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 127, 25 November 1931, Page 10

A SIMPLE ISSUE

THE ALTERNATIVES STATED

Stressing the seriousness of the financial position, Mr. Coates also issued a warning to electors against not'taking seriously their obligation to vote. If they beeamo slack through over-con-fidence or lack of sustained interest, he said, they might see the Socialists gain power, and that would make the outlook for New Zealand very ominous. The issue before the country was so definite and simple that there should "be nc> room for doubt as to the result of the elections; the alternatives were a strong and responsible Coalition Government and tho handing over of the affairs of Stat< to a Socialistic group. Mr. Coates described as "mero moonshine tho vague promises that were being mado by Labour of what it would do if returned to power. "A party that makes such promises in these critical times," he added, "is not honest, because, with falling revenue and little prospect of stability for some timo to come, Labour caunot provide money to carry out its promises; it simply cannot bo done." The issue before tho electors, said Mr. Coates, was practically that on Which the British elections were decided a few weeks ago, and could be aptly summarised in the words of the «x-Chancellor of the Exchequer: "I do not exaggerate when I say the real issue is between prosperity and ruin." Referring to the welcomes he had received in the North, Mr. Coates said that where opposition had been expressed it had been good-natured Taillery rather than offensive obstruction. A Press Association message from Christehureh states that Mr. Coates arrived there this morning. He speaks at the Caledonian Hall to-night. He visited the country centres to-day, and goes to Temuka and the Waitaki power works to-morrow. "The Coalition prospects throughout New Zealand are very bright, and we are looking to the future with confidence," he said when interviewed.