LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2476, 1 June 1915, Page 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

POLITICS AND THE WAR.

Sir.—Does it not seoin unfortunate that ia the midst of this terrible war, when tlte very existence of the Empire is at stalco. it should be thought necessary for a Cabinet Minister to "rush off to the Bay of Inlands to make electioneering speeches, simply because tlie Leader of the Opposition had previously done the same tiling? At a time like this the onergios of every Minister are or should be entirely devoted to the one great object—the successful prosecution of the war, and party politics put on one side. Why not form a coalition Government, composed of the best men on both sides in Parliament ? This was done in Franco at the outbreak of the war. and is now being done in England. Wo cannot follow a better oxample. ' Unless this course is followed, we shall -see during the coming session—with parties nearly equally divided—long and bitter discussions over every question, with consequent waste of time and money, and probably another General Election to follow. .There may bo difference of opinion as to Sir Joseph Ward's general policy. There is none as to his patriotism, and I feel sure that he would readily welcome such a proposal. The . suggestion should, of course, come from the Prime Minister; and the country will not readily forgivo any member of the Government, who from feelings of personal animosity to the other side declines to follow his leader. Our gallant boys arc noiv fighting bravely, and pouring out their blood like water in the Dardanelles, and surely at such a time the voice of party politics should bo hushed. I am, etc., SYDNEY JOHNSTON. Takapau, May 27. [It is regrettable, as our correspondent states, that it should be necessary for anv Minister to take part in an election contest at the present time. It would, however, be still more regrettable if by failing to do so a General Election should be rendered necessary, and the whole country be plunged into a state of political turmoil. Had Sir Joseph Ward refrainod from going to the Bay of Islands, as most 'people think he should have done, it would not have been necessary for any member of the Government to go thoi'o.]