Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1901. THE SITUATION.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 21 September 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1901. THE SITUATION.

There was a time when the mention of Seddon was sufficient to control and dispel all factious opposition by those who were on his side of the House. Our telegrams of the past few days indicate a change ; show a revolt from his rule and an inclination to exercise individual freedom. ’Tis, of course, only, what has occurred in the past, and what history records in its pages. The term of office of all Ministers is limited, yet surely in this colony there is no sufficient cause why the present Government’s tenure should cease—unless, indeed, it is held that moderation is an evil, extreme views and action the acme of wisdom. For ten years the Ministry has held sway, and although there are some actions which their warmest supports may not approve of, yet their record is a remarkable one. They came into office at a time when a strong flow of prosperity was setting into our shores. They proceeded at once to carry out their liberal programme ; and have done it well. Their land laws are far in advance of those of any other colony ; their labor enactments have rendered New Zealand “ the poor man’s paradise,” while the trend of their other legislation has been beneficial to the many. They have certainly increased the colonial indebtedness by £10,000,000, but a large percentage of this has been devoted to the purchase of native lands, to advances to settlers, and construction of public works, and must, therefore, be looked upon in the light of judicious and profitable investments. In politics, as, indeed, in every day life, the good deeds of the past are speedily forgotten for the promises of the future, and as the Government ' are not inclined to promise much, disconlbnt has set in ; some imagine they foresee approaching [ dissolution, and rat-like are preparing to throw over their home of ten years, their political friends of a decade, and seek new friends and a new asylum. Those who'have always opposed the Ministry will be credited with sincerity and respect, but those who in the hour of triumph and security crept under the wing of the Government, who fawned and cringed when their support could have been dispensed with will be regarded as political traitors, as disappointed office speakers, and men thoroughly unreliable, for the very reason that the policy they have so long supported is the same policy the Government is still pursuing. Ten years of labor legislation and unrest we have had; Mr Beddon rightly declares that a rest is necessary to give the laws brought into force a chance of success. This is seized as the pretext for revolt by a division who imagine their opportunity : has come. The Government which has lifted Labor to a higher plane than , it has ever occupied in any land, de- ; dines to allow Labor to dictate terms, '

to drag the Ministry at its chariot wheels. A few members believing Labor Tyranical must be as triumphant of Labour Just now pose as Labour Champions, and hope thereby to “jump ” the Treasury Seats. Unfortunately for their ambition Labor recognises that a rest is necessary, it also knows its friends, and is scarcely likely to accept as leaders men on whom are stamped the words “ Disappointed oflice-seekers.” The Ministry may possibly reconstruct, but we are inclined to the belief that the Premier's tenure of office will only cease when he having yet a sound majority voluntarily resigns the position.