PREMIER’S VIEWS

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 118, 13 May 1932, Page 3

PREMIER’S VIEWS

Very Difficult Problem TRIBUTE TO MB COATES PRAISE FOR POLICE (Per Press Asspciation) WELLINGTON, Last Night. Interviewed to-day regarding the recent disturbances in Wellington, the Prime ATinister stated that the Government is doing all it possibly can to meet the employment position. ■ “There is no doubt that it is a very difficult problem,” said Air Forbes, “dealing with which is so largely governed by the amount of money available for tho purpose. The Afinister of Employment and the Employment Board are giving a great deal of thought and consideration to devising the best methods of providing for the unemployed by means of relief work schemes and provision of food in cases of want and distress.”

No man is working more sincerely and. sympathetically in the direction of alleviating the difficulties than Mr Coates, and I feel sure all right-think-ing citizens will credit him with making an honest and sincere endeavour to make tho funds at his disposal go as far as possible in mitigating distress among the unemployed and their dependants.

“I think it will be generally recognised that the troubles we are experiencing are almost entirely brought about by world-wide economic conditions over which we in this Dominion have no control.

“No good purpose can possibly be served by extreme action on the par<. of the relief workers in striking and by inciting disturbances and destruction of property. On the contrary, their actions must render tho position more difficult. Praise for Police “I should like to add also that the manner in which the officers and members of the Police Force have carried out their duty calls for our hearty appreciation and gratitude. They have exercised patience and tact in admittedly trying conditions, and their discharge of their difficult tasks affords a marked tribute to the allround efficiency of the force.

“I desire again to stress the fact that there is no unlimited supply of funds and that the Government is not wanting in whole-hearted sympathy for those who are unfortunately suffering at tho present time. We will earnestly continue to do our very best with the financial resources at our disposal in extending the greatest possible measure of relief.

‘ ‘To prevent any misunderstanding as to the Government’s attitude in connection with tho recent regrettable occurrence,” concluded Mr Forbes, “I give a very definite assurance that we : hall deal severely with all such illegal actions, and that the maintenance-of law and order in the community will be our paramount consideration' at all costs.”