THE LIBERAL RESOLVE.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1919, Page 4

THE LIBERAL RESOLVE.

(New Zealaud Times.)

Loyalty, in the broadest sense of the word, has always been the essence of the spirit of the Liberal party of New Zealand. It is not surprising, therefore, that the resolution passed by the Parliamentary members of the party on Friday is distinguished by three loyalties. These are, loyalty to the war compact, loyalty to Libera! principles, loyalty to the logic of facts. In entering into the compact, the Liberal party gave up to mankind what was meant—its best, effort as a party—for mankind, through the use of the party machinery. This having become unworkable through lack of woiking majorities on either side, necessitated coalition of both parties for the support of the war which had become the suprone causa of mankind. Throughout the war the party remained loyal to the compact of Coalition, and the war being over, it has loyally given due notice of its intention to withdraw from the Coalition. Loyalty to Liberal principles is shown in die determination to reI turn at the i arliest possible.moment—the moment of the general election—to the application of those principles to the service of the mankind of this Dominion. The facts of the situation are: (1) The end of ,the war, which is the dominating' fact ; (2) The sustaining facts, which are the compromises and failures iu the political Held during Ilia war-due to the difficulty of adjusting principles of policy —which, however, did not prevent the complete success of the war policy'' of the Coalition. Tha logic of these facts requiring the end of the Coalition, the Liberal Party is loyal to the logic of the facts. In the work of post-war construction, now m the very forefront of things, there is no room for compromise, and no reason for runniug any risk of failure. The iirst of these

considerations leaves the field clear for the application of Liberal principles, while the risk of failure is prevented by the predominance of those principles. The fidelity of the party to these principles justifies the party’s resolution. The resolution proves that the Coalition has not impaired the , thoroughness of the Liberal spirit, and the Coalition will now take its , place in history as a proof of the ! party’s unswerving devotion to the interests of the Dominion, rather than a sign, as was once feared, of a , weakening of its strength. We cont gratulate the party on the correctness j and unanimity of a decision which | goes far towards guaranteeing the successful resumption of its splendid ! career. The great experiment of party truce lias ended. Both parties having done their duty together for the purposes of the war, are free to take their respective roads towards I their common object, which is the I welfare of New Zealand.