THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1936. THE COMING SESSION.

Wairarapa Age, 14 February 1936, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1936. THE COMING SESSION.

With the promise that at least six important Bills will be submitted to Parliament during the session about to open there certainly should be no lack of interest in national politics in the months that lie immediately ahead. A Finance Bill dealing with monetary policy is to be brought down in the early stages of the session, the Prime Minister has stated. It is expected, though there has not yet been any detailed official announcement on the subject, that measures will also be introduced dealing with industrial laws, a 40 hour week on public works, restoration of wage cuts, guaranteed prices for dairy produce together with a marketing scheme, and railways construction. Ministerial utterances have in- ’ dieated, too, that measures dealing with transport control and other matters will be brought down. A big programmme is in prospect and almost inevitably it will be highly contentious. The principal demands that may fairly be made upon the Labour Government and the majority behind it, evidently are that all questions shall be dealt with from a national standpoint and that the machinery of Parliament and the Government shall not be used as a means of conferring special favours on sections of the community. It might have been thought reasonable to take it for granted that these demands would be met as a matter of course by any New Zealand Government. That the standards indicated are to be observed by the Labour Government now in office is, however, by no means clear. How, for example, do the Government’s proposals with regard to hours and wages on public works measure up from the standpoint of justice to all sections of the com-

munity? A forty hour week on public works is promised, together with a standard wage which presumably will be an advance on the daily rate now in force. How the weekly rate is to be adjusted has yet to be made known. Is the Government confident of being able to put all workers, employed or otherwise, in as good a position as is thus assured to public works employees; or does it propose to put these employees in a specially favoured position at the expense of others, some of whom are not by any means as well placed! Fair account surely ought to be taken of the position of various bodies of wageearners, some of whom appear to have little enough prospect of getting a forty hour week or better pay; of farmers and . their employees, of a. host of people in business in a small way on their own account and of many others who are not likely to have their economic position improved by direct State action.

This is a question which may be brought into the forefront, not only by the proposals relating to public works, but by other details of the Government’s policy. It is a question which cannot, with any regard for the interests of the people of New Zealand, or, indeed, with any regard for the most elementary equity, be set aside or overlooked. An all-round and continuing improvement in working and living standards is eminently desirable , and should be possible in a progressive democracy. There is neither true progress nor justice, however, in extending preferential treatment to sections of the working population at the expense of the rest. How far the Government is prepared, to act in accordance with sound principles of justice no doubt will appear when its policy proposals have been more fully unfolded. A possible departure from these principles is rather obviously suggested, however, in what has been made known about the Government’s proposals relating to employment on Jublic works. SUPPORTING THE SHOW. As regards entries and in other respects, the annual Show of the Masterton A. and P. Association on Tuesday and Wednesday next promises at least to maintain its established standards of interest and success. Notable exhibits of stock in many classes are always attracted by the annual fixture at Solway and this year, as usual, the best the Wairarapa can produce will be supplemented by entries from further afield. A forward step of undoubted value and importance has been taken by the Masterton business men who are organising a procession of trade displays on People’s Day. Though it is being arranged at rather short notice, the procession promises to be well worth seeing, and, as whs observed at a meeting of the promoters the other day, it will pave the way to something more ambitious and more spectacular next year when the A. and P. Association will celebrate its jubilee. An effort by town business men to add to the attractions at Solway on People's Day is oh all grounds well justified. The A. and P. Association is entitled to the united support of people in town and country because it is fostering and encouraging the basic industries on which all sections of our district population Ultimately depend. While its undertaking as a whole is educative, the association is to be commended on providing special competitions for young people who are members of calf clubs and other organisations which are helping to increase the knowledge and extend the outlook of the oneoming generation of primary producers. As an occasion of popular assembly from far and near, the Show has its well-established place and no doubt interest in its extended range of ring competitions and various entertainment features will be as keen as ever. An enormous amount of work is undertaken by officials and an army of volunteer workers in organising the Show, The public in town and .countryare offered the opportunity of doing their part on pleasant and easy terms by giving the popular fixture at Solway the support it so well deserves.