COALITION

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2494, 22 June 1915, Page 10

COALITION

Sir,—Reference las been made frequently of late in the correspondence and editorial columns of some sections of tie Press to the formation at this juncture of a Coalition or National' Ministry. On what grounds such an absurd proposal can bo advocated it ia difficult to imagine. It is ■urged that the example of the Imperial Parliament should be followed. There is absolutely no analogy. Great Britain, is conducting the present huge military struggle, so far as her share in it as a nation is concerned, and it is most fitting and proper that the personnel of her Government should, as far as possible,\be representative of all shades of political opinion. We, and all other dependencies of the Empire, are merely contributing agencies, and are acting as directed by tho Mother Country to the fullest oxtent incur power, and all that is required of us can be fully effected bjr the Government as at present constituted. It is not suggested that Cabinet is incompetent, and we know very well that the members of it are aa capable as any that could be selected from the House as a whole. Why, then, all this clamour for a so-called National Government? Is it because there are some members, full of an exaggerated sense of their own importance, hungering after place and power, with the concomitant emoluments, and who, before they can play a patriotio part, must be placated with office? If that is so, let them in the name of Heaven stand aside and be shown in their true colours. What we want at such a time as the present is men who will sink all personal ambition, and without being untrue to, or forsaking, party be prepared to temporarily cross the floor of the House and support a Government who are quito entitled by virtue of a majority, however slender, to remain where they aire. Why, then, wrangle about coalition or contemplate such a thing as change of Government in present circumstances ? The national element in tho situation'is vested in the Imperial Government, and is fuliv accounted for in | the composite Cabinet now in office; we have simply to play the part of obedient loyal children of a great mother, and assist to the . fullest extent of our capacity. That ive can do without suggesting or even thinking of such a preposterous idea as a National Government. What exalted views some people in small communities do hold as regards matters political! Thoy cannot bo happy unless strutting about clothed in brief authority. Ever since a great statesman raised us from common colonists to the dignity of inhabitants of a Dominion, th? head of the Government must be addressed as "Prime Minister," while the great man now leading the House of Commons is mora frequently referred to by the less pretentious term "Premier" than anything else. I hope we will hear no more or coalitions when recourse to such expedients are quite unnecessary. For the present there is only one great object before us. The Government as at present formed is quite capable of giving effect to what is required to further that object. Let Parliament determine to loyally and patriotically back them up until the great triumph has been accomplished, and then, if they will, let them return to their wallowing in the mire. We do not at this moment require any controversy over domestic matters, and we have in all conscience sufficient legislation in stock to last us for somo time to come.—l am, etc., . ANTI-HUMBUG. Wellington, June 17.