THE POLITICAL ARENA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3942, 1 October 1929, Page 25

THE POLITICAL ARENA.

A CRISIS THREATENED. THE PRIME MINISTER’S HURDLES. WELLINGTON, September 29. All the elements for a first-class political crisis are banking up as a result of the week’s happenings in Parliament. The Prime Minister’s sensational undertaking given in the House early on Saturday morning to absorb in five weeks all the unemployed who can work has been taken seriously, and upon the performance of this promise is likely to depend the fate of the Government. Throughout the session the United Party’s occupation of the Treasury benches has been assured through the allegiance of the Labour Party, but in recent weeks the lobbies have been ringing with rumours that some of Mr Holland’s supporters, having lost patience with the Government for its failure to handle unemploy merit as effectively as was desired by them, were commencing to demand a change of tactics on the part of their Leader. Point was given to this rumour by the plain talking of Labour members inside the Chamber. The latest and most significant utterance was that made on Saturday morning by Mr H. G. R. Mason (Auckland Suburbs), who said he had lost what little hope he had had in the Government, and the sooner the House and the country realised the position the better it would be. Then Mr P. Fraser (Wellington Central) told the Prime Minister that if he were not prepared to legislate for unemployment insurance this session he would have to give way to someone else. Mr _W. E. Barnard (Napier) made it clear, in answer to a question by Mr J. S. Fletcher (United member for Grey Lynn) that he would vote against the Governmetn if it did not do something effective to meet the unemployment situation. t It was after 2 a.m. on Saturday when the Prime Minister, replying to the debate on unemployment inaugurated by the threat of Mr Fletcher that he would vote against the Imprest Supply Bill if the Government did not du fold a comprehensive policy, committed himself to the virtual solution of the unemployment problem in five weeks’ time.

According to lobby gossip the announcement administered a staggering blow to many of the United members who are apprehensive of their Leader’s ability to perform what appears to be an impossible task and are not looking forward to the action Labour may take in five weeks' time if the promise is not fulfilled. Sir Joseph Ward has certainly gained for himself a five weeks’ respite, as has Labour for itself, but when the days of grace expire a reckoning will be inevitable. Caucuses of the United and Labour Parties to consider the position that has arisen may be expected early this week. Added to any unpleasant developments in regard to the unemployment question, the Prime Minister will have to face an equally difficult situation when the House is divided on the amendment to the Customs Act, which confirms the doubling of the primage duties, because he is still in the dark as to how Labour as a party or how individual members will vote on the measure. In the House on Friday’ he said he hoped sufficient recovery would be made by March 31 next to enable the duty to be disposed of. but, in reply to a question by Mr Barnard, he said he was unable at the moment to give an assurance that such would be the case. The Prime Minister, as well, is not yet out of the woods with his taxation proposals Already he had lost three independent votes on the Land and Income fax Amendment Bill, the consideration of which engaged the attention of the House over Wednesday. Thursday, ami Friday. It was a lively’ debate throughout. sustained mainly by the Opposition, although, with Labour’s assistance of the Government, the Reform amendment to have the effect of the proposals investigated by’ the Public Accounts Committee was defeated and the second read.ing was agreed to. There will be further contention when the committee stage is reached In the meantime Sir Joseph Ward is receiving representations from those affected and has announced that he will consider an amendment to the hardship clause relating to the super-tax on land. When the.Bill is dealt with in committee more than one division .may be looked for.