The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1936 IDEALISTIC

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1936, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1936 IDEALISTIC

A correspondent recently paid tribute to the new Prime Minister, but it is tuo soon to place him on the very high pedestal suggested. Like Premiers who have gone before, he has “hitched Iris Avqggon to a- star,” in the phrase made u,se of by Sr John Findlay when one of the chief henchmen of Sir Joseph Ward. Indeed, we may accept it that all our line ol Premiers set out with the highest hopes and aspirations, to do their best for their country and t/heir countrymen. From Henry Sewell who assumed office in 1865, onward through the list which included such stalwarts as Fox, Stafford, Vogel, Atkinson, Grey, Stout, Radiance, Seddon, Ward, and Massey. At the moment Coates and Forbes are in eclipse, but when time gives a clearer perspective, their difficult task .and achievements in an era of world depression, will receive more appreciation. All these men, from tfhe capable band who moulded our constitution, and built up a nation, must surely.have had ideals and certainly love . for humanity. Many of them were prompted to cojne here from the old world willing to shape a new England.' and what has been achieved is a tribute to their political leadership. ' The present occupant, the TJt. Hon. M. J. Savage, has started in office with much iit his favour. He 'ms a large and pliant majority to shape' his policy. Actually he may turn his whole attention to that,

for the retired Government has left, the finances in credit, and there is no heavy deficit to wipe out or provide for in the Treasury’. Mr Savage presents a policy of very high ideals which all would like to see pass mto y national success if it is possible for the country to provide the funds. But the policy means great internal economic changes', and it remains ro be seen Ihovv they will operate. So far the Government has talked in general terms, and measures have been produced to support those promises. The testing time of. practical operation is at hand. A financial journal this week points out that with regard to international economic unrest, all the manifestations of trouble point to the disturbance of the relationship between costs and* prices. -;.ln that fact is the root cause of production, trade and,:employment dislocation which has caused such want and misery. The Government measures plainly aim in the first instance, at raising costs, arid prices must be affected. Increase in wages, shortening hours, impending trading at 'a 'figure whidh to-day portends a loss to the ' nation —all these, with wholesale unionism to control the producing system and trading generally—cannot do otherwise than rise costs. Even though wages are lifted, the hampering of trade and manufacture combined with other aspects of the policy,,the uncertainty behind it- all will stifle enterprise, arid set a check on normal progress. IN or is it clear how the new system of marketing will operate in practice. There, will be a serious trading dislocation infernally where large concerns operate on overdraft, and externally it is not clear by any means how markets which have been built up will accept the. changes pushed on them. There is a very great deal at stake as is being-pointed out by these who look below the surface. But the public in general appear to be captivated by the glariiour of the promises and until the realities come to pass will be content witff the promise of ideal conditions under the new order.,