The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1938. PRELIMINARY SKIRMISHING.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 August 1938, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star , with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1938. PRELIMINARY SKIRMISHING.

It is evident the two main political parties, to .say nothing .of those classed as Independents, are turning serious thoughts to the general election due about October next. The main debates now, particularly as tiny are to be heard.over the air, ere practically intended as addresses to their constituents by the speakers. Because of that there is much repetition of what •has gone before, and im the desire to justify one attitude or another, much ancient history is being referred to. If one speaker attempts to pick holes in the Government administration, a supporter is . ready with chapter and verse to state what a previous government did in relation to the same subject, the intention being no doubt to imply that a precedent was created thereby. Some of the speakers have been devoting a little time to.'the finances i n reviewing the statement, and for that reason the reply of the Minister of Finance will be of wider interest,, and will no doubt be awaited by all parts of the country. The finance and its manipulation is the key to the maintenance of the Government policy. There is heavy expenditure provided for together; with a • large impost on the country next year for social security. There is. in addition a large sum of loan money to he redeemed or renewed on favourable conditions, which must he engaging the attention of the Finance Minister. As against these outgoings, there is tno falling revenue in many classes, due to various circumstances, as well ns the growing amount of imports levying on domestic funds. The talk aiso about difficulties in some industries through failure to compete with the imported article, and the shortening of hands or the •closing ,of factories, plays its part in the financial position. The developing situation with the talk of a slump, and the outlook internntibnally in the Northern Hemisphere, help to create a more complex state of affairs. To sum up on all these aspects, and give. the country a clear position of his viewpoint will make Mr Nash’s reply all the more interesting.; < Meantime, preparations for the appeal : to the ballot box goes ahead quite mor- .< r.ily. The Opposition is making a good ' showing, and with the number of can- i didates co|ming forward, the party - lias regained heart, and is hopeful or material success. On the other hand, the leader of the Government, fresh from Ins goodwill tours in both

Islands, is even more satisfied about his party’s prospects. The man in the street appears to be satisfied that there will he changes in tiie party strength, chiefly for the reason that there will be less splitting of votes, the Democrats being altogether a lost party. It was from that quarter the late Government received the most unkindest cut of all, and because that danger is removed, a more hopeful feeling is considered justifiable. The big scheme of the Governmwt still to be brought down and explained, will exercise a potential influence on the political situation. Its advance in social reform will benefit very many and human nature being what it is, will not be unmindful of the benefits received. The real battle will develop when the full plan for social security is finally adopted.