KEPT IN IGNORANCE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 364, 4 March 1932, Page 11

KEPT IN IGNORANCE.

Mr Holland Lays Charge Against Coalition. MEMBERS BLINDFOLDED. (Special to the “ Star.”) WELLINGTON, March 3. “ Blindfolded and dumb members of the Coalition party are kept in ignor-

ance of the legislajgaj tion that their leaders draw up.” de- ■ dared Mr 11. E. M Holland, M.P.. in R| the House to-day. mfa For instance, he said, members of WM the Coalition ■ Caucus were not S told the details of the Arbitration Amendment Bill “ Members of the id. Coalition,” declared Mr Holland, “ have

never been consulted on any aspect of the Government’s policy'. Bad enough as it is to gag the Opposition, the rank and file of the Coalition are to be blindfolded as well as made dumb. They are expected to come into the House and blindly support the Government's legislation, no matter what pledges they gave the electors.” “Is this not a matter of domestic machinery?” queried the Prime Minister, as Mr Holland continued with his criticism. Mr Holland: Yes; but we are intensely interested in it. “ Would you jlike an invitation to our next caucus?” asked Mr Coates, Minister of Public Works. Mr Holland: If I attended, I would be able to give some sound advice that might be helpful. As I say, legislation is being placed before the House without the prior consent of the Government party. Not only will members be blindfolded, but recalcitrants will doubtless be the subject of the gag as well. The Government places its policybefore the House scrap by scrap, in the form of Bills, and says to the rank and file, “ The fate of the Government is involved. You must support the legislation, irrespective of your election pledges.” Quite Wrong. Mr Coates assured Mr Holland that he was quite wrong in suggesting that the Arbitration Act Amendment Bill was not explained beforehand to members of the Government parties. It was, he said, intimated to them, and the various phases explained to both parties, and thoroughly understood by them. “ That is not $o say,” added the Minister, “ that every member of each party agrees. It is often that the very best of men do not agree in detail, but all agree as to the necessity of meeting the present economic situation with measures unusual and probably undreamed of a few years ago.”