MANUKAU.

Evening Star, Issue 22458, 1 October 1936, Page 10

MANUKAU.

Ten t mouths ago Labour won a decisive victory at the polls. In an exalted mood it took office and announced and prosecuted its policy with complete confidence. Among the personal rearrangements was the appointment of one of its supporters as High Commissioner in London. No exception could be taken to the selection of Mr Jordan. For several years ho sat in the House of Representatives and was a stalwart supporter of his party. In his new post he is determined to be no “ dumb dog.” He let himself go in vigorous style on. his arrival in England, and at Geneva he has made it clear where New Zealand stands as a member of the League of Nations. Perhaps this Dominion is not so important in world affairs as our Government seems to think; but that is by the way. As a result of Mr Jordan’s departure, a vacancy was created in the Manukau seat, which is regarded as a Labour stronghold. The solidarity of the party was again manifested in the by-election held yesterday, and its nominee was returned by a majority of 4,411 over the National candidate. Naturally, the Prime Minister is jubilant. He declares the poll to be an emphatic endorsement of the Government’s policy, while Mr Forbes is dubious on this point, considering that the figures provide evidence that the electors have some misgivings as to the future and the wisdom of the Labour legislation. The truth is that there is no marked change either way. Both candidates had certain handicaps. Mr Osborne’s disability was that, making his first appearance in the Manukau electorate, he lacked the mana of Mr Jordan. The disadvantages surrounding Mr Doidge were more pronounced. He was in close touch with the Democrats before the General Election, but in the campaign he stood for Rotorua seat as an Independent, gaining 3,308 votes compared with 3,830 in the Manukau poll. In this contest he carried the banner of the “ new National Party,” the leader of which has not been selected, though Mr Forbes still directs the Opposition forces in Parliament. This probably accounts for the fact that none of the Coalition Ministers entered the fray at Manukau on behalf of Mr Doidge. The actual position is that Labour has not yet been put on its trial. That cannot be done till the effect of its legislation is revealed. In the meantime benefits have been conferred on sections of the ,com-

mnity which were made possible by the prudence of the late Government. It remains to be seen whether the Labour measures that have been passed will prove beneficial to the country as a whole or the reverse. If the reverse, as many people think, Ministers will be called upon to bring up all their reserves to defend their policy. In the meantime Mr Doidge is to be congratulated on his courage in entering the lists and on the vigorous fight he made against overwhelming odds. It is a pity that he was not granted tliat “ freedom of speech ” so greatly advocated in Labour circles.