NEAW POLITICAL BATTLE-CRY

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2255, 29 July 1908, Page 2

NEAW POLITICAL BATTLE-CRY

Constant readers of tho popular evening papor of Wellington will not | be surprised to find that it has decided to raise, a new issue in connection with the political campaign that will bo fought in connection with tho next general elections. Tho “Rost” has for a lengthy period advocated a progressive policy in connection with our legislative doings, but has never fallen into the error so long prevalent that the terms “progressive,” “Liberal,” etc., could only be associated with the Continuous Ministry that has held tho reins of government for so many years. AVhon tho Ward administration assumed office the “Post” was ono of the first to support our now Premier in the arduous task lie had taken up, but our contemporary has Jong sinco discovered tb it Sir Joseph is not equal to tho responsibilities of his high office. His favorite method of legislating by compromise, his,habit of stumping tho country in an attempt to delude the pcoplo with flowery phrases and bombastic boastings, the looseness of his financial operations, his refusal to take a definite 6tand on matters of national import, have all been condemned by tho “Post’’ in unseathing terms. As a natural consequence of this attitude, one would suppose to find tho “Post” setting forth upon a wholesale campaign in support of Mr. Alassey. Almost tile whole of the programme outlined by the “Post” as desirable is in accordance with the policy of the present Opposition. The fact of the matter is, our AVellington contemporary probably real- 1 , ises, as many others liavo long since done, that tho present Opposition party for some indefinable reason lacks the elements of success. The policy of the so-called' Liberal Government can be attacked and very successfully, too, but it must bo admitted that Air. Alassey and his.supporters have so far made little headway in this direction. In checking absurd and injurious legislation they havo accomplished invaluable work for the country, but as a party with a programme to supplant that at'present in power tliero is undoubtedly something wanting. Tho platform outlined by our contemporary is ono that any true patriot would not hesitate to fight for, and if by any chance a leader possessing that personal magnetism so essential to success could be discovered who would take up the banner of political reform, not with foreboding but with a feeling of confidence that the people of the Dominion would stand to him in his fight for their interests, we have little doubt but the AVard administration would bo given an early opportunity to taste the pleasures of opposition. At present it is not clear wliotlier our Wellington contemporary anticipates the formation of another party in opposition to the present Government, but this seems to bo the inevitable corollary if its views are to be carried into effect. The present Oppositon is, of course, the natural body to take up the fight, but it is useless anticipating that Mr. Afasssey and his friends are likely to come anywhere near unseating the present Government unless they can materially add to their fighting efficiency. In other words, the present Opposition party is badly in need of reform if it- is to meet with success at the polls. The old methods of attack have been proved, to be obsolete and the position should now be looked squarely in the face with a view to am entire reorganisation. One thing ■is certain, above all tilings, namely that the Continuous Alinistry has outlived its usefulness', and that for tho good of tho country there should be a change of Government at next election.