AFTER THE CRISIS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22260, 7 November 1935, Page 15

AFTER THE CRISIS

STABILITY ACHIEVED

MR . FORBES AND CRITICS STANDING BY POLICY CONFIDENCE IN ELECTORS [ B r telegraph—own correspondent] SHEFFIELD. Wednesday , i< Many people are going round the country now claiming to have some patent schemes for restoring full prosperity to New Zealand without cost to tljo taxpayer," declared tho Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes, when addressing 70 electors at Coalgato this morning. " You are being offered Douglas Credit, also Labour control of currency and costless credit. Make 110 mistake about it you ■ are offered something for nothing. It is a pretty safe rule in life that that offer is worth nothing. 1

have'sufficient faith in tho intelligence of New Zealand people to believe they will not be caught by such nonsense." Referring to criticism of tho Government, Mr. Forbes said when he read some of it 110 found it difficult to recognise the Government at all. "Wo had an idea." lie added, " that wo were carrying 011 the affairs of the country in a businesslike way, but apparently, according to some critics, wo have gone to the absolute limit in the other direction. Such criticism, however, like so many other things, is grossly exaggerated. Tho portrait or painting is merely a caricature. " Almost a Miracle " " Personally I know a few people hang up my photograph in tho best room because of their discontent with some of the drastic measures the Government has been compelled by tho disastrous economic circumstances to bring into operation. However, I and by colleagues in tho Government are prepared to stand bv our policy.'" Looking back 011 the crisis, the Prime Minister continued, the formation of the Coalition Government and its work appeared as a pretty bij* achievement. " When I recall the prospect of the £8,000,000 deficit and compare it, with the position to-day, the results seem a miracle," he added. " The Budget has been balanced and conditions are steadily improving all the time." It had been said that the Government could not see anyone or anything except farmers and farming interests. That was a shortsighted view of the Government's policy. It was true the majority of the Cabinet were farmers, hut it should not be forgotten that most of them had long experience of public affairs. ■Determination to "I consider the men who compose the Cabinet to-day are men well equipped to deal with the affairs of the country," the Prime Minister said. " A country that faces its difficulties with determination to work out and deserve Salvation cannot fail to come out on top. Such has been and still is tho policy of the Government, and whatever our opponents maintain or promise the Government's policy has Drought Jfew Zealand out of the bog of depression:" During question time an elector mentioned that Mr. Forbes was making hia first political speech in Coalgate within seven years.

The Priino Minister was given a splendid'' reception and accorded a tinanimous vote of thanks and confidence, being specially thanked for having made no electioneering attempt to pose as " doctor chloi-oform." Mr. Forbes also delivered a speech a,t Springfield when he harl a friendly reception and a unanimous vote of confidence. Heavy rain at night affected the attendance at Sheffield, where again ho enjoyed a hearty demonstration of support. >