Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star THURSDAY, 18th DECEMBER, 1919, THE ELECTIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 December 1919, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star THURSDAY, 18th DECEMBER, 1919, THE ELECTIONS.

The general elections which resulted yesterday, presented the usual budget of surprises. The noise and excitement of the past weeks created an atmosphere wherein the fancy of the quid mines had fidl play and there were many who proved to be false prophet*. There were at least two notable features ip the results made known last night. The first was the unexpected defeat of Sir Joseph Ward, who as leader of the Liberal party, and 11. M. Opposition, was next to the Prime Minister, the most important figure in the campaign.' The second feature was the very substantial victory for the Reform party. It is clear that the Reform party has a majority within itself, and in that respect the elections have been distinctly decisive. There is an element of satisfaction in tliis result in a national way, even though in a party political sense the result is not a. s we hoped. The result as it roads is distinctly to the credit of the people a.s a whole, for it establishes law and order beyond all question. The Reform party has a clear mandate from the people, and in this determination there is matter for distinct congratulation. It will clear the political air, and the future is in the hands a party strong enough to set about the reconstruction after the war without fear of serious blocking or impediment from the Opposition in Parlia- i inent. The Government holds a position *now as impregnable as that held by j 'the National Executive while lately ( in power. It, is a time for opportunity ] in the matter of domestic legislation, , and ns the leader has put forward a progressive policy for the country, he has a whole term of Parliament assured to him to give, it effect. This position will (or should) lead up to stability in polities. It should result in the Government carrying on fearlessly. With the loyalty vote behind it so pronouncedly the Government has a clear mandate in dealing with the “go-slow” methods of industrialists. If industry

as its grievances they must be looked ato and adjusted in a constitutional va;y. Outside of that any blow or heck against the national welfare must ie dealt with, with the authority the Government now possess. “Gp Slow” s a method to penalise the public must not hie tolerated. The public were leard yesterday and tlieir interests are low in the hands of the Government, for better or for worse that union ntist be respected, and the obligations must be fulfilled. In the reconstruction of our Island affair's “go-slow”, a s we know St, must, disappear. There can l>e no real reconstruction, no national security if sections of the community are going to war against the people with tactics which jeopardise the industrial welfare of the country. In dealing firmly with this menace, the Government has to devote special care to the industrialist and see that his well-found-ed grievances are removed or remedied. This is the time of opportunity for the Government, and they have a clear road politically on which to progress rapidly.