NOTE OF THE DAY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11825, 5 January 1933, Page 4

NOTE OF THE DAY

THE COALITION LEADERS’ VIEWPOINTS.

lii tin: course of their New Year messages, the leaders of the two parties in tlie Coalition Covoi'niueut took ii)) an attitude that was very different from that which was adopted by the Leader of Lite Opposition. Whilst both Mr. Forbes and Air. Coates die! not attempt to minimise the grave difficulties confronting the Dominion, in common with every othei country, they refused to believe that still greater troubles were ahead. Theirs was a spirit of quiet confi-dence-confidence in the ability of people of such stock to weather any economic storm, iiu matter how severe. Mr. Forbes professed to seo indications of some grounds lor hope that the new year will witness a measure of recovery. Ns the, Prime Minister is not noted for super-optim-ism. his cautious statement on the point will, assuredly, give considerable heart to the people. On Ids part, Mr. Coates went a step further- He reiterated his well-worn contention that nothing could be more important than the maintenance ol primary production. It would seem that even bis political opponents may well agree with him that a heavy decline in primary production would be a national calamity. He has. however, laid himself open to criticism in that lie has made no reference to the need further to increase production in relation to the secondary industries. Unquestionably, it is important also that money should not be sent out of the .Dominion for commodities which can ho produced within its borders. In turn, Mr. Coates also avers that the difficulties still ahead will not be found beyond the people’s capacity. The messages by the Coalition leaders must, ol course, be held to exhibit weaknesses. Not sufficient is made of the need lor a combined effort to restore national confidence. In short, Mr. forties and Mr. Coates invite the people not to slacken ulf industrially, hut lo plug away in (lie sure Imp'- that belter times may soon conic again. Their messages would, assuredly, have heel) more lo the point il i no.'’ could have indicated the directions in which the HLa to intends to lead in. ami help in. the task of "atonal restoration. Nothing is more essential to-day ilia" that there should be a return of confidence in a much larger degree. The Coalition New Year messages are. also, silent, as to what policy the Government has in view with tlie object of inducing people with surplus money to vc-spec" up the wheels of industry. It must be patent to Mr. Forbes and to Mr. Coates that the State by its own efforts cannot rid tlie Dominion of unemployment.