Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19th,, 1919. THE TIME AND THE HOUR.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1919, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19th,, 1919. THE TIME AND THE HOUR.

The decisive result of Wednesday’s electoral poll leaves little to be said profitably as to the past. The appeal was to the people. They had the knowledge and where they lacked it, the instruction, as to the political issues, and their vote has to be accepted on its face value. The triangular issue of Reform, Liberal and Labor has been decided definitely in favor of the first mentioned party. Liberal and Labor can both be wise after the event, and will wonder now why they missed ensuring the enforcement of their progressive policies. Neither was strong enough on its own to wield executive power and each was distrustful of the other as to the ability to carry on singlehanded. By right of record and standing the Liberal party had the. first claim to seniority, but Labor sought by steering a middle course to become the master of both parties. In its attempt to grasp at a shadow it has lost the substance. It has fallen between two stools, and is in a hopeless minority, and has lost both power and prestige. The Libera} party at least has its prestige, and will be something of a minor power in opposition. Time lias brought to the Reform party its hour of greatest opportunity. In preparing for the recent general election, Mr Massey on behalf of his party formulated his policy, and .stumped the country on it. That Pfllicy has been endorsed by the people in a very complete manner, and the Government vjll be expected to go forward now along the lines of progress the Prime Minister has outlined. The country is in need of administrative di’l'eetion to ease the cost of living. Greater production must be encouraged, with facilities to afford a more rapid degree of settlement. New Zealand has land in abundance capable of carrying a larger population. Facilities are required to facilitate settlement, and there must be encouragement to produce those products which the people need. The primary products which the conn try possesses need to be utilised by a more rapid means of development, and Mr Massey has promised action along these lines. He now ha s

the opportunity of putting his plans Into practice. The Government will liave its financial difficulties ahead of it, difficulties which will be greatly intensified if the prohibition issue is found to he carried. The reduction of taxation in that event will not be possible; rather will it-become necessary to increase taxation. The problem is likely to become so serious that the whole incidence of taxation would require to be reviewed, and therein would be a - very difficult task for the Governmeut. The outlook in this respect is such as to call for the earliest

attention, and the Ministry will probably seek for advice on the subject outside the restricted Cabinet circle. Be that as it may, courage and fairdealing should overcome the difficulties and if the Government approach this and the other urgent matters in ■ the right way the present support enjoyed will be maintained.