The Hawera Star. TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1933. A TEST FOR THE GOVERNMENT.

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 31 January 1933, Page 4

The Hawera Star.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1933. A TEST FOR THE GOVERNMENT.

VCUVCiCU CVtIJ CVCUUIB */ V -»*• Hawera, Manaia, Kaupokonui, Otakeho, Oeo, Pikama, Opunake, Normanby, Okaiawa, Eltham, Ngaere, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Te Kiri, Mahoe. Lowgarth, Manutahi, Kakaramea, Alton, Hurleyville. Patea, Whenualmra, Waverley, Mokoia, VVhakamara. Ohangai, Mercmere, Eraser Road and Ararata.

A motion of no-confidence by the Leader of .the Opposition is no new thing in New Zealand’s Parliament; in fact, it lias become the Labour Party’s recognised method of indicating, at the beginning of each session that it. is “back on the .job.” It was not surprising, therefore, to find that. Mr Holland had set down a no-confidence motion for this week, though Parliament is not beginning a new session, but merely resuming its adjourned sitting. Air Holland’s original motion was “that the Government does not. possess .the confidence of either this House or the country.” Such a motion is not likely to arouse intense interest in the electorate which, though it. is very busy these days voicing i.ts dissatisfaction with the Government, is not in the frame of mind to seek its dismissal in the absence of a party with a better policy.

Late last week, however, Mb Holland succeeded in drawing rather more attentioh to his party by giving notice of his intention to move an. amendment to the Banks Indemnity (Exchange) Bill, proposing that the House should refuse a second reading. The Piime 'Minister has declared that the Government will regard a vote against thi9 Bill as a vote of no-confidenee. Several members of the (Coalition Party 'arc known to be restive, under the Government’s financial proposals and some of them have declared their intention to oppose any move to safeguard thoj banks over the exchange situation. Mi Holland has created an interesting position for such Govfcrnmcn't members, for ho has given them an opportunity to make good their declaration of intention by voting with the Labour Party when it conies to- a division on this Bill. There has been some count- • ing of heads going on in private as a result and, though the Government’s security does .not appear to be seriously threatened, the position is full of interest for political circles and the electors. The next few weeks are certain to prove a test of the Government. Party’s unanimity and the strength of its hold upon the country, butt, unless anything happen to stampede the publie, it is very improbable that the electorate will choose to precipitate any action calculated to leave the country faced with the necessity of finding a better Government. So far a's exchange is concerned, the die has been cast. The Government has had the courage of its convictions on the subject and it can at least claim a reasonable opportunity of putting its theories to the tost. The electorate, though distinctly “nervy” as a result of '-the changes already made in the Government’s programme and in anticipation of others to come, may be expected to act. with characteristic British caution and not cry for the overthrow of the administration before knowing what it wants to take thatadministration’s place.