The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1940. MR BODKIN’S MISSION

Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1940, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1940. MR BODKIN’S MISSION

Thk Member fur Central Otago or the National Party thought it worth while lor a visit to Westland to endeavour to enlighten the people on aspects of the political situation. Mr Bodkin, however, had little new to dilate on. It was a twice-told story in the usual politicians’ style, and delivered a year ahead of the general election, was hardly likely to leave any impressions on the people that would he of value to the electors. The New Zealand public interested in politics, have opportunities to be better informed than in former years. Parliament lias been sitting at intervals during the year, and there has been the opportunity to listen to details of legislation which no pro or post sessional address can give. In addition, Ministers nowadays move about more than in former years, and there are opportunities of personal contact with those directing affairs, and it is possible to acquire information. All this robs an isolated political address by a private member ip Opposition, of much interest. Mr Bodkin has been a plodding member well established in the confidence of his electorate, and he speaks not infrequently in the House. His contributions are interesting, hut hardly sway that august assemblage. But whatever he or others may say at this juncture, it has to be remembered a war is on, and New Zealand’s interest in the course of events grows more and more intimate. It must be admitted that under the guidance of the Government, the country has done and is doing well in its organisation and support of the war. It does not appear Mr Bodkin quite struck that note, but it is true nevertheless, for there has been no storms of complaints, no suggestion of scandals, and no neglect of the' men. For a great undertaking, matters have gone very smoothily. Some credit is due in that account for the management of such a large responsibility as the conduct- of a war effort, j Mr Bodkin elected to speak largely of the past, of alleged sins of commission or omission, which if they were aa serious as lie could imply, were condoned at the lasi general election. The Government was on its trial with no war in action, and its policy of the past and the policy of the future, wore canvassed in full detail. Despite the answer given, Mr Bodkin is hopeful that at the next appeal there will be a (liange. The wish of course, is father for the thought, for apart from the war a.ml the provision for the war. little major work has been done. The Government in domestic matters has boon endeavouring to .per I cot the legislation earlier passed and approved 1 at the last poll. Outside of that, it has lmd to find money for the war. It is doing it drastically as other countries within the Umpire are doing to save the Umpire. It has to he admitted matters are proceeding calmly, and in a different atmosphere to the last: war. 1 lie country’s produce is under Government control. and though this is being canvassed, in general the producers accept the position gratefully, and fool more secure in average prices than in boom price*, which previously created a false

security, and brought the house of prosperity down with a crash. Ihe Government is firm on this point, and it. promises to bo a sound policy. Mr Bodkin interesting though lie made his address, hardly succeeded in producing a case to carry condemnation of a party doing so much for the masses of the people.