The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. Tuesday, august 12,1930. THE PARTY TRUCK.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 August 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. Tuesday, august 12,1930. THE PARTY TRUCK.

The fact that the parties in the House are disposed to enter into a political truce in the endeavour to permit the Hon. Mr Forbeis to depart as Prime Minister to London to represent the Dominion at the Imperial Janference, is creditable to all concerned. As the Prime Minister, Mr Forbes has the right to be present, and it is essential for the complete representation of the Dominion that the holder of the high office should be present in person. The state of political parties in New Zealand, is sue!., however, that it is naturally difficult for the head of the Government to depart, without the consent of the parties as a whole, for the Ministry ban not a majority in its own party in the House. The parties very properly have taken a national view of the situation, and subject to the principal policy measures of the Government being disposed of in time, Mr Forbes will 'be able to depart. But for the next few days it will mean a considerable effort on

the part of Parliament to dispose of the controversial matters to be discussed. However, the stage, is set as far as possible, and day by day Mr For be h is proving his value and capability as Leader of the House, and continuing along, the lines lie lias adopted there is every reason to expect that by the allotted time matters will l>e so advanced that his departure for the very important Conference ahead will be arranged. There is a very general opinion up and down the Dominion that Mr Forbes deserves the fullest opportunity to show his mettle. The Financial Statement he \ brought down has impressed the public on the whole, very favourably. Of course very many are not agreeing with some of the proposed taxation. That is to be expected, for where the shoe pinces there is a hurt, and some folk are crying out. Mr Forbes, it i,s very interesting to note, is showing his ability to answer the strictures on the Budget. His reply in the House last Friday disclosed his mastery of the details of the issues, and the ready explanation he .advanced to the criticisms offered. Mr Forbes is taking his place as a capable statesman, and the country is recognising that. He began extremely well, by disclosing the true state of, -the country’s 'position in which was a very frame statement. In the fuller statement he gave the House, lie did not mince nor attempt to cover up matters. His Financial Statement was a particularly dear review of the general situation, and actually criticism in the House was more friendly than actually critical, and in the ■ mass of speeches very little of a constructive nature to replace the Government proposals was brought out, This general impression of the political situation is borne out by the readiness with which the political parties agreed to combine in a political truce, following Mr Forbes’ departure. It was recognised no doubt that Mr Forbes had shown ability and had proved liiis capability to represent the .Dominion creditably, and in that realisation parties were prepared to put aside personalities .and do the right thing from the National point of view. Mr Forbes when abroad will have the opportunity to learn much. World polities are not any better than in New Zealand, and travellers tell us the Dominion is as well off ap any country both in its present situation and at regards prospects- ahead But there are world problems in which New Zealand is greatly interested, and the opporturt- ■ il.y of meeting those who laret grappling with those difficultieß, and'observing all sides of these great- issues, will be of great educational value to the Prime Minister Mr Fobbes when he returns and takes up again the reinjs of office, will be expected to so direct the Government of the country that taxation will be eased and not added to. The present mission should lie helpful in that direction, for he can probe markets and confer with those within the Empire who may adopt reciprocal trading. A wider market for our products would help New Zealand greatly. Mr Forbes as a farmer, is alert to the needs of more consumption for the produce the country can turn out, and on such a mission he has the opportunity to view the situation from a special pedestal, It is well therefore that the political parties have- -’'combined sensibly in 'the direction’ of co-dp-er-. , ating in a-friendly way for Mr Forbes’ departure, It wae the right thing’ to do and it has been done in, an .ungrudging spirit greatly to the credit of Parliament,