DEFEAT MIGHT BE WELCOME TO PRIME MINISTER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18844, 22 August 1929, Page 11

DEFEAT MIGHT BE WELCOME TO PRIME MINISTER.

BELIEVES GOUNTRY WILL GIVE HIM MANDATE IF ELECTION OCCURS. (Continued from Page 1.) (Special to the “ Star.”) WELLINGTON, August 22. x*arty activities this morning were very prominent, both the United and Labour groups holding their separate caucus meetings from which, as usual, nothing definite emerges for public consumption. . The amendment has been drafted in such a form that the Labour Party could not support it and this was admitted in a significant phrase by Mr Coates himself in last discussion, a phrase of which he is likely to be freely reminded when the debate resumes: “ Labour 'members could decline to take part in the battle which som§ of their number have described as a sham fight.” In this event great importance attaches to the attitude of several Independents, and careful inquiry supports the view that at least three will vote against the amendment, though some of its clauses are approved by them. However, as one Independent puts it, he does not consider it right to attempt to put the Government out on its Budget. The proper time to challenge the Government on taxation is when the proposals are definitely submitted in the form of legislation. Thus it becomes clear that without the aid of Labour, the Government can save lthe situation. However, this fails to take into ac- 1 count the active factor involved in the Labour opposition. These members resent any attempt to force them into a position of saving the Government from defeat, but at the same time, they have their own objections to the new taxation and a strong inclination to take a completely independent line to demonstrate their objections to both principal parties. There is just a j chance that Labour may spring a surprise by endeavouring to wreck Mr Coates’s amendment by attempting to eliminate some of its clauses and substituting proposals of their own. Complications, hitherto unsuspected, might result, but the ultimate outcome seems to be that the Government will emerge from the situation successfully, only to face further dangers when the Customs Bill and the Land and Income Tax Bill are submitted to the House. Another factor which the Opposition elements ignore in their belief that the Government is fighting for its life is the Prime. Minister’s restiveness under conditions which force him to present an important political programme without an adequate majority to carry it in Parliament. He might be the least anxious member of the House over a possible defeat, for he holds a firm opinion that another appeal to the country would give him a mandate to carry out his policy.