NEWSPAPER COMMENT.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14829, 21 November 1913, Page 12

NEWSPAPER COMMENT.

! STRONG CRITICISM OF THE OPPOSITION. ! " (special to "the frkss.") AVELCINCSXOX, November '20. I The "Evening Post," an Independent newspaper, in a leading article on the political situation, says:—"The Liberals were a'thoroughly'disorganized and demoralised party when Sir Joseph "Waril was induced to take charge again, and it remains to be seen whether he can unite them for tho purpose of any constructive work. He has, however, convinced both himself and the public that, they are sufficiently -well organised under his leadership for the purpose of obstruction. , The- public is. indeed, more than sufficiently convinced on the point, and would bo glad of sonio more conclusive evidence* of statesmanship than the mere blocking of business in a House where the fairly close division of parties and the antiquated Stauding Orders make such work exceptionally easy. jPnnlic sentiment is particularly emphatic on this matter just how, .since it recognises that the difficulties of the Government have been immensely aggravated by the present Industrial struggle that they have faced with a coolness, courage, and,determination which oatifciee

them to the gratitude of the country, and that Iwth the Leader of the eition and the rank and filo have entirely failed to give tho Government tho help that should hare boon freely forthcoming from a party which realised its responsibilities in a grave Bational emergency. With regard to this great issuo, the action of tho Liberals has been rather worthy of the allies of the lied Federation in the Grey by-election than of the party which ruled the conntry for more, than twenty years, and hopes to be in power once more before long. Although Sir Joseph Ward has miened this great opportunity to prove that he an 3 his followers are patriots first and partisans afterwards, the country expects that he will mako wjme amends by refraining from raising unnecessary obstacles in the path of a Government which is manfully fighting the battle of us all against the powers of anarchy."