THE COALITION.

Thames Star, Volume LXV, Issue 19373, 2 April 1935, Page 3

THE COALITION.

FUTURE POLICY. No Change Yet. LEADERS’ STATEMENT. PLAN OF RECONSTRUCTION. ; (Special te Star). WELLINGTON, April 2. The following statement was issued last night by the Prime Minister, Mr. G. W. Forbes, and the Minister for Finance, Mr. Coates: — “Before the departure of tho Prime Minister, we have felt it necessary to consider the future of the Coalition and to give a clear indication of our intention. In our opinion, it is necessary that all those interested in the good government of this country should continue to work in the closest co-operation. It is eminently desirable that in these difficult days party politics should be restrained in order that our full energies may be devoted to the elimination of distress amongst all sections of our people and the promotion of continued economic recovery, for these are those who persist in capitalising the distress of some of our fellow-citizens in support of their own political objectives. “For nearly four years we have co-operated loyally, and we think effectively, and we are encouraged by the support received throughout the country to believe that a continuation of this co-operation is essential for the Dominion’s welfare, if the measures to restore confidence and stability that have been initiated are to be carried through to a successful conclusion. Tho work already accomplished has been considerable and establishes a policy, the maintenance of which is essential to national prosperity. We are firmly convinced that the future calls for continued efforts in the interests of the Dominion. It is easy to accept any plausible excuse for taking no action at all, but thoso who are in touch with all phases of our national life know that we are living in changing times and we cannot stand still, even if we would. We have been obliged to bring into being drastic measures to maintain our primary production, upon which the whole prosperity of the Dominion is based. This, and the necessity of relieving unemployment, admittedly involved heavy burdens on many sections of the community and the adoption of measures of internal adjustment which, under any conditions except those of national emergency, could never have been contemplated,

“As a Government, we are convinced that the policy we have carried into effect during the past few years has been of value to the community. We recognise that much remains to be done and that as conditions alter overseas it may be necessary to make further internal adjustments. We believe, however, that we have now established the main lines of policy, and that our plan of reconstruction has sufficient strength and elasticity to absorb such shocks as may be experienced from time to time from overseas. The first effects of readjustment are invariably unpleasant and disturbing, but this phase is now nearing completion in New Zealand. Tho beneficial effects of the measures taken are now being felt and it is important that they shall not bo negatived by policies inconsistent with our national needs, violently reversed by measures superficially attractive but economically unsound, “We feel that any material change in policy will create a sense of insecurity and perhaps chaos, and that our people will best be served by the continued co-operation of the Coalition group as a national Government. These are not the times for a splitting-up of our people into factions. On behalf of the members of the Coalition in Parliament wo strongly urge our supporters throughout the contry, and indeed all public-spirited citizens, to avoid being misled by those interested in promoting sectional differences. Our strength in the future, as in the past, Avill depend on our continuing to represent fairly the interests of all sections of the comnlunity. ,,

CABINET PORTFOLIOS

TEMPORARY REARRANGEMENT.

(Special to Star).

WELLINGTON, April 2.

During the absence of the Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes, in England, his portfolios will be distributed as follows: Mr. Coates, External Affairs; Mr. E. A. Ransom, Cook Islands, Scientific and Industrial Research, Public Trust, Electoral, High Commissioner’s Department, Legislative Department; Mr. R. Masters, Railways, -Native Affairs, Native Trust; Mr. J. G. Cobbe, AttorneyGeneral.

Mr. Coates will be acting-Primo Minister, but on his departure for England in about a fortnight it is anticipated that Mr. Ransom will take that position.