METHODS OF RULE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22818, 27 August 1937, Page 13

METHODS OF RULE

BRITISH INSTITUTIONS THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM MR. SAVAGE'S PREFERENCE [nV TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT*] WELLINGTON, Thursday "When one runs the measuring rod over tlie systems of government as Ave know them to-day, one must admit wo arc comparatively well off," said the Pritno Minister, the Ht. Hon. M. J. Savage, in a luncheon address to the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. "I would sooner have the Parliamentary system with all its faults and Parliamentarians as they arc, than a system of government with a few individuals believing they are big enough and intellectual enough to speak for the rest." Mr. Savage said that the Coronation provided a wonderful opportunity for the British people to show their loyalty to their King ahd Queen. The Coronation was more than an institution; it was a real thing in the lives of the British people, and looking at tho world to-day the institution meant something, too. "I happen to bo Prime Minister, armed with certain authority, the authority coining from the peoplo themselves," continued Mr. Savage. "Perhaps % l and my colleagues will make mistakes, but Ave claim we have mado other things besides mistakes. Without taking any undue credit to ourselves, I think the people of New Zealand are comparatively well off to have the Parliamentary system as it is and tho right to change their representatives from timo to time. "That was the first thing that occurred to mo during tho Coronation ceremonies. One found rulers there from all nations, and one could not help comparing notes and coming to the conclusion that under our system of government, with all its faults, wo have tho right to correct tho wrongs committed in our name. That docs not apply in all countries, and for that reason I have come back more satisfied than over that avo are in a splendid position out here in the Pacific."

Mr. Savage said that New Zealand camo away from tho Imperial Conference without having given away any of the great privileges it had enjoyed in the past. It came aAvay without having anything in the nature of a scrcAv put upon it in regard to defence or trade or anything else.