POLITICAL PARTIES.

Wairarapa Age, 5 July 1929, Page 5

POLITICAL PARTIES.

ATTITUDE OF OPPOSITION LEADER. NO PETTY OR HARASSING CRITICISM. MINISTERIAL GRATITUDE. (By Telegraph.—■“ The Age” Special.) WELLINGTON, July 4. Speaking in the Address-in-Reply debate to-day, the Leader of tjie Opposition (the Right Hon. J. G. Coates) criticised the Government’s public works policy and reminded Sir Joseph Ward of election promises he could not completely keep. Mr. Coates concluded, however, with a statement that his party would avoid petty and harassing criticism and would extend reasonable consideration to the Government in the difficult situation in which it was placed. “No doubt members on the opposite side of the House are waiting for me to move an amendment,” remarked Mr Coates towards the end of his speech. “No doubt,” he continued, “they are anxious to hear the terms of it.” But expectations were disappointed, as Mr Coates declared that the position as he viewed it was not such that the old party tactics should be resorted to. (Government members: Hear, hear.) It was an occasion which required the whole-hearted thought of men who were anxious for the country’s interest, who wished to see whether the new Government could put into effect the prosperity it had promised. If It could do so, he would, taking the wide viewpoint, be satisfied. “I want the Government to know that we recognise the difficult position it is in, and we are not going to adopt tactics that will be harassing or petty. THE GOOD OF THE COUNTRY. “I hope we can take the widest view of the situation, not making their troubles more difficult, but if possible assisting them for the good of the country. That does not in any sense mean that we do not hold ourselves free to criticise any proposal of legislation or administration where we realise that criticism is essential. The Government has been in office only seven months and we must admit it has not given them much opportunity to bring forward all their proposals. Nevertheless, I would have liked to have seen more in the Speech from the Throne. I ask that the Government will be determined enough—l was going to say brave enough—to admit the facts where it finds that its pre-elec-tion planks were wrong. It does take courage to do that, but so far as this side of the House is concerned we will think they are doing the right thing to admit it, and they will get support from us. I am referring to expenditure which is likely to get the country into difficulties. ’ ’ A MINISTER’S THANKS. Following the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. W. A. Veitch (Minister of Transport) expressed his sincere appreciation, of Mr. Coates’s remarks on the party sitnation. “They were generous, statesmanlike and worthy of the position he occupies in this House, ’’ said Mr. Veitch. “Whatever criticism I have levelled at his administration has been in exactly the same spirit. 'He has criticised proposals of the present Government but is generous enough to say that it has not been in office long enough to develop the whole of its policy. That is an admission which does eredit to the Leader of the Opposition. The present position is a difficult one, created through the peculiar situation of politics and parties.” Mr. Coates: “A misunderstanding!” (Laughter.) The Minister: “It may be due to a misunderstanding of the real needs of the Dominion by the hon. gentleman’s party. I sincerely believe that the differences between his party and ourselves are merely differences of policy and the opinion of what is best for New Zealand, but in face of the very generous conclusion of his speech I can only reply that on general grounds we are willing to consider the opinions of others. We have no desire to force our opinions on the House. Indeed, we have not the power to do so if it comes to the final test of a party fight. The people were of opinion that a change of Government was desirable. It has taken place. The Government has laid down its policy and legislation to be introduced, which I p.m sure will met with the approval of the House and country. As a ’result, this fine country will be lifted out of its temporary depression.” Mr. H. E. Holland: "Is legislation ready!” Mr. Veitch: “A good deal of work has been done. ”