THE PART AND THE WHOLE

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20524, 14 June 1938, Page 6

THE PART AND THE WHOLE

The Minister of Defence does not figure prominently in the public controversies, and his effort to assist the Prime Minister, in the matter of the Post Office Savings Bank accounts, while doing credit to his loyalty, was not very helpful in the matter of convincing evidence. But probably Mr Jones knows as well as other members the intentions of the Ministry and for that reason his recent reference to the national health insurance scheme should not be overlooked. Mr Jones asked his hearers, a conference of farmers, to withhold criticism until the measure was brought down, and expressed his own confidence that the plan would constitute one of the best insurance schemes in the world, but he added: “It might not go as far as you would like it to go, but this is only the initial step.” A great deal depends upon the length of the step. What the community expects, and has every right to expect, is that the Bill will cover the matters set out in the election manifesto of the party. They should not expect more and cannot expect less. The manifesto seemed to some people to be a little prodigal in the promises it contained with regard to health insurance, but doubtless it had had the careful attention of the leaders of the party prior to publication. Stated generally the policy laid down was as follows: “The Labour Government will introduce a national health insurance scheme to provide a health service for every contingency that may face the ordinary citizen.” That is probably sufficiently comprehensive to please tho most ardent supporter, and their zeal must have been further stimulated by the detailed promises that followed. These included the right of every citizen, during ill-health, to call in his own doctor, and to get the services of specialists if necessary. Then the hospital system was to be reorganised “to make available all other services that are necessary.” There was to be a home nursing service in cases where patients could not convenient!}' leave their homes, laboratories with all facilities and “the service will be available for every family.” These are the chief items as set out in the manifesto, and they constitute the first step to which the Minister of Defence has referred. It would be unreasonable for anyone to expect more, and it is at least doubtful whether the farmers in the south will expect the Government to go beyond its definite promises at this stage. Any Government, may be asked to redeAn its election pledges, but no Government shoujd be asked to go beyond them unless in cases of emergency.