EASING OFF

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19945, 23 July 1936, Page 6

EASING OFF

Few statements made by the Prime Minister of late have been more significant than that indicating that there would be an easing of the pressure exercised prior to the adjournment to place measures on the Statute Book. It is significant because it was made after an unusually prolonged caucus meeting and if it can be said to reflect the desires of the members of the Labour Party as well as the intentions of the Ministry probably the community will not object. Mr Savage said that the members of the Government wanted to study the eflects of the legislation already passed. The promise of amendments, if found necessary, is reassuring, and it would not be surprising if much revision were found essential. The Acts were passed so rapidly that the House had litlle time to master the details and experience has shown that it is hasty legislun tion that creates unexpected diflicultics.

The programme for the remainder of the session contain. several very important measures and adjustments of taxation may afiect prices, especially as no mention has been made yet of a revision of the Customs tariff, although that has been discussed by members of the Ministry with various deputatious. Daily reports show plainly that the process of amending prices is proceeding steadily, but it will take some time for a new basis to be established. That, however, is inevitable and it is among the eflects that the Government will have to study closely. It is many years since the community has had to make such far-reaching changes. The work of the Arbitration Court indicates their extent to some degree, but. the firms concerned will require time to reorganise their operations. The idea of giving the Ministry extensive powers to amend things by Order in Council will not appeal to many people. That system of creating what are practically new IaWS is not popular and was not favoured by the Labour Party when it was in opposition. The zeal of the Government was illustrated by the spate of legislation rushed through the House in the first few weeks, and it would he a good thing if there were a halt. The consequent alterations have yet to be made by the industrial and commercial sections and the authorities will not be in a, position to judge the full eifects of their legislative measures until those changes have operated for a reasonable time.