THE OPPOSITION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22742, 30 November 1935, Page 14

THE OPPOSITION

INTERVIEW WITH MR COATES NOTHING YET DECIDED (Pee United Press Association) AUCKLAND, November 29. No detailed information regarding the leadership or construction of the Opposition in the next Parliament could be given by the Minister of Finance, Mr Cootes, who passed through Auckland today on his way from Dargaville to Wellington. Mr Coates said there might possibly be an informal discussion on these matters by the members of the outgoing Cabinet, which is to meet in Wellington to-morrow. “The vex-dict oL the country is unmistakable,” Mr Coates said, “ and I agree with the Prime Minister that it is our duty as a Government to tender our resignations as soon as possible. Personally, I do not want any delay to occur in the change-over, but there are various details in all departments which must bo completed before we can in fairness make way for a new Administration.” Mr Coates added that until he interviewed his colleagues in Wellington he could not state definitely the date from which the resignation of the National Government would take effect.

“ One thing of which I am certain," Mr Coates continued, “is that the country will be handed over to Labour in a position for which we need make no excuses. Financially, the country is much moi'e happily placed than it has been for five yea«i at least. I have not yet receive’d details of the accounts as they stand at the moment, but these will be prepared for me in Wellington, and probably will be available before the Government formally tenders its resignation." Mr Coates mentioned, that as a result of prudent finance there were certain reserves available. Although the prospects for >the future as regards trade overseas were undeniably bright, the Government had not felt justified in embarking on heavy expenditure until those prospects were translated more into terms of certainty. It had resolutely refused to gamble on the future. “In handing over to Labour,” he added, “ we think we can safely say that we have restored stability after four years of extreme difficulty. On those foundations the new Government can build, and if it builds wisely it can be assured of our support. If any action is taken,_ however, which, in our view, is not in the interests of the country, we shall have the right of criticism, and we shall not be slow to exercise it.” Mr Coates declined to comment on the future of the Reform and United interests in the National Party. As the official Opposition, however, he added there was much to be said for a strong and compact Opposition, even though it might be outnumbered by the Government by more than two to one. Questioned regarding the Leadership of the Opposition. Mr Coates said it was a matter for decision by the members of the party. Such decision would doubtless be made in due course.