The Dominion. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 1919. MOMENTOUS MEETINGS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 284, 27 August 1919, Page 6

The Dominion. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 1919. MOMENTOUS MEETINGS

Interesting prospects are opened in. connection with the meetings of the two main political parties which are to bo held to-day, but for thoso ■who are able to take a broader standpoint than that of party, the only question that matters is how far the wolfare of the Dominion is likely to be promoted as an outcome of these gatherings.'Prom this standpoint H is a matter for unqualified regret that the two parties arc meeting separately instead of attempting to unite in support of the progressive policy which each is avowedly anxious to promote. It is still more to be regretted that there is no immediate prospect of the more progressive elements in the two parties coining together in this way. Even in the conditions that exist, however, it is open to politicians to do much that will either uphold or injure the best interests of the Dominion, and members of all parties would be wise to recognise that henceforth their actions and. decisions will be watched and scrutinised with an intensity not hitherto approached in New Zealand politics. As matters stand, the duty, devolves upon Mr. Massby and his supporters of giving the country the effective lead in reconstruction it greatly needs. On that account the outcome of the Reform Party meeting to-day will be awaited-with absorbing interest. The duty of the 'Reform members'is made much more difficult than it need have_ been by the reactionary and ill-advised attitude of Sir Joseph Ward and his friends, but they are not the less bound on that account to deal with all questions before them with broad regard to national welfare. They will mako no mistake if they approach all decisions' with an eye first and foremost to what is duo to the country at a critical period of its history. Much, of course, will depend upon the wisdom and judgment shown in effecting the reconstruction of the Ministry which is made necessary by the defection of the Wardist members, and on wider grounds. In this all-import-ant matter, anything in the nature of routine procedure must bo resolutely cast aside. It has to be recognised, amongst other things, that Ministers who rendered able and distinguished service during tho war years and at an earlier period are not necessarily those best fitted to. meet such demands as are now raised. The work to be done, and the conditions to be faced, demand men of a special type, in particular men well . endowed in an exceptional degree with energy and resolution, and of the most progressive spirit. In' any case, there. is a clear call for the introduction of new blood. The fullest freedom of choice must be exercised, and it is very possible that in the formation , of the new Ministry some respected seniors may have to give place to younger mch. Scope nrn.y appeas also for useful innovations on past practice. It is very desirable, for instance, that the treatment of one or two of the more urgent questions of the day should be entrusted to experts with special qualifications, and that these should be given the standing and authority that only Cabinet rank can confer. As a. conspicuous example in point, an expert capable of dealing in a big way with the housing problem might be appointed temporarily to the Upper House and given Ministerial rank. In Great Britain the appointment of a number of Cabinet Ministers solely on account of their export and technical qualifications has produced excellent results,. and similar possibilities in this country ought not to ho, overlooked.. There is every reason to believe that Mr. Massey and his colleagues are prepared to deal in the most open and unprejudiced way with the whole question of Ministerial reconstruction. _ No doubt at to-day's meeting consideration will be given to questionsof policy, and it may be hoped that in due course a sound working programme will take shape. In this matter an excellent example of what to , avoid is supplied in the manifesto issued la=t week by Sir Joseph Watid. That document consists of a jumble of proposals, old and new, obviously thrown together chiefly with an eye to vote-catching, and of such a scope that in the most favourable circumstances the programme obviously cannot be fully realised for many years to come. Called upon as it is to give the country a practical and definite lead, thfi Reform Party ought to sedulously avoid sounding promises find a fflamorous vote-catching display. It must, of course, frame a working programme, but its aim should be rather to initiate action on spun'l lines than to dangle before t.he electors indefinite promises which may or may not be fulfilled. The decisions to bo made to-mor.iW r.ught to lead straight to purposeful action in tho session about to open. Ii: connection with such questions as repatriation, taxation, housing, and many others, action is called for which will not wait, or, at all events, cannot be withheld even for a few months more without serious

detriment to the country unci its - population. ? > Doing its duty, the Kcforin Party will enter upon the session led by a capable Ministry, and ready to deal promptly, and in a practical 5 > way, with such measures of relief and development as the vital interests of the country demand, and to co-operate with all who are pro- _ pared to work to this end. So much " assumed, it remains to be determined what attitude other parties, and particularly tho Wardists, will adopt. One of the questions to be decided is whether or not Sir Joseph WiMd intends to movo a motion of want of confidence in the Govcrnd nient, and generally to impede the s transaction of the pressing business is which awaits tho attention of Pari- liament. On the whole, it seems o- likely that ordinary prudence will A induce the Liberal leader to abstain y from such a course He has rendered cue serious disservice to the country by seceding from office on the eve of the session, and with jj many matters in the Departments i. controlled by himself or his col- ;• leagues left in an indeterminate stage. With the need for resolute and energetic action by Parliament as plainly defined as it is, and m vicM - of the ruling trend of popular opinion, it seems fairly safe to assume that he and his followers would'hardly dare to resort ' to tactics of- obstruction. It may be hoped, therefore, that at' their- : meeting to : clay they will face their responsibilities in a more enlight- , encd spirit than that which led to „ Iheir secession from the National . Government under circumstances so little to their credit.