The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1887. MINISTERIAL DISUNION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1567, 25 May 1887, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1887. MINISTERIAL DISUNION.

"We don't expect fine acting, but you might fine your flats" (i.e., leave no gaps m your scenery disclosing to the public eye the inner mysteries of the stage), was the remonstrance of some larrikin theatre-goers to a rather poor company of players. In a Ministry of sensible men, such as compose the present New Zealand Government, we are at least entitled to look for some measure of public agreement upon Ministerial questions. They might "jtne their flats." There may be private differences of opinion ; that is natural enough, but the fitting condition of a useful Government is a fair face to the public. That its members should go into different lobbies on such questions as that of the number of representatives for the colony is therefore, we submit, neither evidence of strength nor is it even be--eoming. It-, ie out of the^quoction ■to expect any cohesion among the rank-and-file cf the patty when its leaders show such conspicuous signs of disunion. In the interests of the Government, and m those of the country, which now if ever especially needs a firm and vigorous administration, it is our duty to animadvert on this miserable weakness. We do not know who is most to be blamed, but it is obvious that [where party government is supposed to prevail the reproach of party disorganisation will always be one of the most effective weapons of political warfare. It must always be true to a certain extent because the party was never yet formed that was . m all . respects at union with itself. Every party will necessarily have its more and its less advanced sections, its bolder and its more timid spirits. We have already had occasion to refer to this fact, and to the various coteries m our present Parliament. But the charge of disorganisation means something more than this, before it brings discouragement and damage to a party, And this something more is making its appearance when the members of the same Government cannot be found to agree on a common policy even m essentials, let alone details, and when as a natural consequence their party fails to prevent a united front to the foe. Some sacrifice of private judgment is required to make and to keep together a party, and if Ministers themselves will not recognise this fundamental condition they must themselves be weak and vulnerable and iheir party will speedily assume the condition of the famous party of Hans J Breitmann.