BRUCE BY-ELECTION

Hokitika Guardian, 20 April 1920, Page 3

BRUCE BY-ELECTION

HON W. D. S. MacDONALD’S OPINION. WELLINGTON, April 15. Commenting to-day on the result of the Bruce by-election, the Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald, the Liberal Leader, said he was particularly gratified by the sue. cess of the Party’s candidate, because Mr Edie’s return would reduce the Re

form majority from eight to six, and though this ,in Mr Massey’s opinion, might not make for stability of Government, he hoped it would assist the Prime Minister in making up his mind to the formation of a complete Cabinet without any further delay. He heartily agreed with Mr Massey that what th 3 country required at the present time was a stable Government, but so far the Prime Minister had called to his Councils only three or four novices in administrative work, while the three or four of hiis- old colleagues remaining in the Cabinet were understood to he on the point of resignation. This, Mr Mac Donald contended, was not fair to the country, nor indeed, to Mr Massey himself. Surely three months after the general election the peoplo had a right to know to whom they were to look for the admin iteration of the different departments. DUNEDIN, April 15. The “Star,” commenting on the result of the Bruce bye-election, says: “It is clear that a long day of Conser va-tism in Bruce is at last ever, and that the bulk of the electors want progress and a “square deal” in service as in platform promises. Yesterday’s results do not, of course, materially weaken the Parliamentary strength of the Reform Party, but it is the beginning r* of the process, which time will accelerate, of electoral erosion of Conservatism. If the Government hope to hold their ground in the country, they must assail the ever-increasing cost of living. Comparisons with conditions in less favoured countries will not satisfy the peo- '' pie of. New Zealand; therefore, the resuit of the Bruce by-election is a lesson for the strong and stable Reform Government. They must not remain as stable as the hills, but must move forward like a strong, serviceable river.”