AUSTRALIAN POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 24 April 1920, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS

SLR J. G. WARD’S VIEWS

PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION IN OPERATION. INTERESTING COMMENTS. Sir Joseph Ward, who has returned to Wellington 'after a six weeks’ visit with Lady Ward, to Australia, was interviewed on Tuesday by a “ Times ” representative. Sir Joseph Ward said that, with Ck> exception that lie had an acute attack of sciatica about ten days after arrival in Sydney, and was laid up for some days in consequence, he had a very pleasant trip. Questioned as to his views in regard to tiie present political position in New Zealand, he replied that lie preferred to make no statement for publication is regard to the matter. 11 Not being in the boat,” remarked Sir Joseph, p “ Ido not intend to pull an oar.” THE GENERAL SITUATION.

“I was over in Australia,” he added, " entirely on pleasure and for a rest and change. Hut 1 had the opportunity of discussing with many public moil the general political situation over there. The election for the New South Wales Parliament took place while 1 was in toe State, arid it was carried out under a proportional representation system that did not prove, in the actual working of it, irrespective of the results, satisfactory to any party. Under their particular system, the people were compelled to vote for, or put a figure indicating their preference, against the name of every candidate. In one electo, rate, for example, there were 21 candidates and only live members of Parliament were required, but the electors had to number olf in order of choice the whole of the 21. The total vote in the whole of the Stato was comparatively small, and numbers of people gave as the reason for if the fact that the electors were compelled to vote for all the candidates, irrespective of the limited number of their actual choice. In the case referred to, for instance, they found themselves in the position of having to vote for sixteen candidates that they were not supporters of. Consequently many did not vote at all. EMiJAItiiASSi.N U SITUATION.

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"Through tho split in the National party,” he added, ‘‘there are-now cnjeo parties returned to the State Parliament. The Labour party is tho most compact and the strongest of the three, and the Prime Alniister (Mr SLoroy) is said, by tin; public men who know him, to be a strong anti capable man. He is well spoken of by representatives of each of the other parties in Parliament. Hut the. two sections ot the split, party—that is, the Nationals and the Progressives, are, if combined, about equal to the total number of the Labour party; and the situation that exists in New South Wales is thus a very embarrassing one. political equilibrium being dependent upon the very line point of from which of the three panics the Speaker is, selected. If the Labour men select the Speaker from their own ranks, then the Nationals and me Progressives together will he in a majority of one. On the other hand, if one of the Nationals or one of tho Progressives is elected Speaker ,blie Labour party will be in a majority of one. Obviously, whichever course is taken, the result trill he too slender a majority lor any Government to he able to effectively put into operations important measures without the concurrence or assistance of those who

are opposed to them. A SERIOUS DROUGHT. Apart from this state of affairs political, there is a difficult situation in New South Wales, owing to an extensive drought over a considerable portiio of the State, and a great deal of anxiety is felt both by public men, and by citizens generally as to what the outcome of the drought is going to be. When I •left they required rain within a few weeks to prevent a serious setback in the State. It is expected as a result of the lack of rain so far there will he a con-

siderable shrinkage of exports. In other respects, however, there is no doubt that the country is womljifuily prosperous. Its powers of recuperation alter a drought have in the past proved to he very remarkable; and 1 have-very little doubt that the great country of Australia will, as in the past, overcome

the disastrous effects of a rain shortage of a character which, happily in this country is not known.” •SYDNEY’S GREAT GROWTH. “Sydney itself, since my last visit some six years ago, has advanced marvellously. Its population numbers about 800,000, and its residential areas Lave extended in every direction. In the city itself magnificent commercial buildings have taken the place of many of the older structures. One of the notable buildings that has just boon completed has been erected by the Union Steam -Ship Company. It is a great building of many storeys, in a line position in the city. The Commonwealth Bank is another outstanding instance of a great building towering high, the internal arrangements of which are all of the most modern kind. The wonderful ferry services of Sydney have grown

enormously as a result of the expansion of the suburbs across the harbour.

have been in many parts of the world, and I must say that one of the finest sights on the water at night is distinctlv to’ be found in Sydney harbour. The ferry boats are palntially lighted, and one night l counted as many as 21 of them in sight at one time. I had intended to visit Melbourne, having been invited to go there; hut, unfortunately, my unexpected temporary lay-up in Sydney made it impossible for me to do so and get back to New Zealand within the date that 1 had fixed before leaving. COMMON W KA I.TI 1 TART b I-'. Tbo tariff brought down by the Commonwealth Government while I. was in Australia, creating a much stronger protective system than existed before, naturally was the subject of great discussion among the financial, the mercantile, and the farming circles. It certainly has had a mixed reception. Those who look forward to the development of manufacturing industries are strong supporters of the new I a rid’; but on the other hand, there is a section of the community who regard the present and prospective financial position of Australia with some trepidation, _ bccau.so they recognise that a considerable reduction of imports must in the ordinary courso take place, and that tho loss of revenue caused thereby will for a time mean an increase in the other tax-

ation of tho country. Tho tariff has yet, however, to go through the Federal Parliament; and it is expected in some quarters that, as in similar cases in other countries, some material alterations will be made before it is finally passed. LEAVING FOR, ENGLAND. “I am glad to be back in New Zealand,” said Sir Joseph Ward in conclusion.' “But it is only for a short time, as. I expect to leave for England early next month. Lady Ward accompanies me, and I am not able to say definitely at present how long we shall be away. It may be for as much as twelve months.”