The Week In Parliament

Northern Advocate, 29 July 1939, Page 9

The Week In Parliament

(By “Critic”)

The Address-in-Reply Debate has ended, Surveying it, one cannot but be struck by the waste of time such a debate occasions at the country’s expense. After half a dozen members of the House have spoken, the debate resolves itself into ceaseless repetition, which serves no good purpose whatever, and is certainly of no interest to that great army of liseners who, through the radio, seek to ascertain from the Government some idea of what their future intentions are.

In the four weeks that have elapsed since Parliament assembled, however, no idea has been gained of what policy the Government intends to pursue. The question arises, therefore: Has the Government agreed in caucus on their future policy? If so, it is surely their duty to place that policy before a waiting public at the earliest opportunity. c

Guaranteed Price.

Once again the guaranteed price has occupied the most prominent place in Parliamentary discussion, and from the various dairy company meetings that have been held, members of the Government must be aware that the dairy farmers are not to be bluffed by the Prime Minister’s remarks. It has again been apparent, in all instances, that the farmers fully endorse the principle of the guarantee ,and of the present marketing system, but that they do maintain with every degree of justice that the price hey receive under that system is not sufficient to, allow a reasonable margin above the costs of production. Defence. One matter upon which both sides of the House are in agreement is in regard to the urgency of the question of providing adequately for the defence of New Zealand. One aspect of the defence question must never be lost sight of—the defence of eNw Zealand means the defence of the Motherland.

The only way New Zealand can safeguard her welfare, preserve her nationality, and maintain her markets, is by doing her share in assisting to defend the Empire. If England goes under, outposts of Efmpire will automatically vanish and become subject to some foreign nation. It is folly to suggest that New Zealanders will not be required to serve outside this country. If that is the idea behind our defence force, it is a wrong one. New Zealand must at all times be prepared for Empire service, which means service overseas. Mr Nash’s Achievement. The Minister of Finance has successfully arranged with the Motherland a loan .of five million pounds, to be expended on defence, and it is feasible to assume that the method of expending this sum has been mutually agreed upon between the British Government and Mr Nash, but we will not know the full text of that agreement until the Minister returns.

The four million pounds trade credits, while providing temporary relief, will not get New Zealand out, of her difficulties. It is reasonable to suppose that Mr Nash has some proposals to place before the New Zealand Government in regard to the lifting of trade restrictions before further relief will be entertained. Financial Institutions.

Reference has also been made in somewhat scathing terms to the relationship existing between stock and station agents and the farmers of New eZaland. These remarks are totally uncalled for, as no other financial institutions in the country have done more for the development of New Zealand than the indicted firms.

Under the etrms of mortgage, the firms do no more than maintain their rights, and in no instance do they enforce conditions more harshly than the Government.

When a smal Ifarmer vacates his holding, no matter how much improvement h has carried out, or how much sotck he may have purchased, he can take no stock with him, nor can he