The Daily News WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1935. MINISTRY’S POLICY.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 October 1935, Page 4

The Daily News

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1935. MINISTRY’S POLICY.

OFFICES: NEW PLYMOUTH, Currie Street. STRATFORD, Broadway. HAWERA, High Street.

The Government’s appeal to the electorate for a renewal of confidence rests upon two grounds—the first, that the Dominion has been * brought with safety through the worst economic storm it has ever experienced, and the second that it has a progressive policy for the future that can be brought into operation without tearing up the existing monetary system or depending for its success on the ultimate socialisation of all forms of industry. As regards the first claim the Ministry recapitulates in its manifesto to the country, published in yesterday’s issue of the Daily News, the serious condition of affairs when the National Government wag formed. There is need for emphasis in this regard when considering the Government’s policy and accomplishments. It is easy enough to criticisb the anomalies and the hardships caused by that policy, and to point out the undoubted errors in its construction and administration. But commonsense and common fairness demand that the circumstances, largely beyond the control of the Dominion, in which the policy was formulated shall also be taken into consideration. ' There is no suggestion of apology for its policy in the Ministry’s request for a renewal of confidence. It says, in effect, that on taking office it found a huge deficit', trade declining, unemployment increasing, pessimism rampant and national bankruptcy a possibility unpleasantly near. The measures taken entailed sacrifices on the part of every section of the community, but they were assured that the return for those sacrifices would be worth while, while failure to make them might lead to financial chaos. To-day, the Government claims to have proven the wisdom of its actions and judgment. If the evils found on taking office have not been entirely eliminated they have been diminished considerably, and the process is still under way. There is a revival, in trade and industry and an improvement in the prices obtainable for the Dominion’s exports. It may be quite true that the better prices arise from causes quite outside the control of the Government. So also were the causes leading to the low prices of the past four years, but if the Ministry is to accept blame for the latter’it has a right to take credit for the improvement that has taken place in the past few months. The Government can plead with justification that in its trading negotiations with Great Britain it has succeeded in keeping the goodwill of New Zealand’s most important customer while minimising the illeffects to Dominion producers of the present fiscal policy of Great Britain. The Government’s claim is that increased trade, increased employment and increased prices are unchallengeable proofs that the policy for which it seeks the approval of the electorate has been sound. In regard to the future the National manifesto contains little that is new. It contains 21 “points,” of which the first six promise the continuance of a financial policy that will maintain budgetary stability, reduce taxation, keep credit ’cheap, retain high exchange “unless there js a marked change in conditions,” and improve Company. %Law to give greater protection to investors. Six further points recapitulate the social service programme already announced by Ministers which includes national plans for pensions, health insurance, housing, distribution of milk to school children, an investigation of the

education system and an improved library service. Industrial matters also form the subject of five additional clauses in the manifesto. They detail the Government’s plans for overhauling existing industrial legislation, and for reducing unemployment by a long-term public works policy in addition to assistance to be given to private enterprise of proved efficiency. Air services, mortgage relief, overseas trading, close association with Britain in foreign affairs and support of the League of Nations are further familiar items in the Ministry’s programme for the future. In many respects it has resemblances to those of its chief critics—the Labour and Democrat parties. There is this fundamental difference. The Government’s proposals are based upon experience of what can be accomplished without disturbing unduly the Dominion’s monetary system or depending upon borrowed money for the support of extended social services. This building upon assured foundation may reduce the facility with which a new Utopia can be sketched and promised on the hustings.. It is, however, a characteristic that should appeal to all who prefer substance to shadow, and put faith in solid accomplishment rather than in theories and promises.