The Hokitika Guardian TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 1922. LEADERSHIP.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 1922. LEADERSHIP.

g T is little more than throe decades ago since New Zealand approaching a political crisis, was desirous for a change in the' political leadership. It is history of course, how the Conservatives were put out, and the Liberals came jn. A somewhat similar crisis is again approaching and at the moment New Zealand is disposed to seek fresh leader,ship.* The Liberals are bestirring themselves and seeking to reorganise a party which thirty years ago began so notable a period in the political history of this country. The Ballanco-Seddon Government arrived at the right time When the hour struck, the men were there to discharge great obligations. It is history too, how they succeeded. The Seddon record was made memorable by its distinctive leadership. Mr Seddon proved to be a man of outstanding personality who rose superioi to all difficulties and criticisms, and placed New Zealand politically in tinforefront. The halo of those times still hangs about the name of the Dominion, and Nek Zealand enjoys still a prestige which was created for it by the sound government of the Liberal regime. Then, as now, there was the call for courage and Mr Seddon did not lack that essential necessity. He rose to every difficulty and crowned all his brilliant work with snccesß. Much that happens nowadays is measured by ' '

methods of those times and the ieeling is often rife, if Mr S e ddon were heio now, how different would be the position to-day. It is impossible to roc, his great services, but his example and bis ways are on record for initiation. Just, now when there is the demand for , sensible leadership, for sound government on the principle of the greatest good for the greatest number, inspiration should come from a study of tlio traditions of the Liberals in times past. The most marked progress, the the greatest advancement of this country, and the fullest contentment among the people, were enjoyed under the Liberal administration. There seemed to be the broader outlook, the wider view of the country’s needs. The memorable occasion when Mr Seddon swept the polls in New Zealand was when he advocated a policy based solely on humanitarian principles. There was no creed nor class involved, bid an tdaptation of what Abraham Lincoln had defined as the grrP-'ht good for the greatest number. Times have changed since then, hut humanity is not any different, and the political panacea applied with equal care should ho a s successful now as in the days of yore. The lending Liberals have been geMmg together in Wellington and talking over the position. They have begun well by adopting for the party the title which Mr eSddon used so magnetically. Further they have decided wisely to lake the platform and meet the people. Mr Seddon owed a great deal of his signal success to his trust in the people. He believed in confiding in them always Of Into years the party leaders have been very sliy of openly meeting the people and discussing political affairs. The more difficult the position, the more essential is it that the people should realise tlio situation. If the Liberals follow up the resolve, and go up and down the country, expounding the situation and their views of dealing with the difficulties, the people will welcome the means of widening their political education, and better understanding what is required of them, when they have to exercise their voting privilege at general election time. Sound leadership can go far along these lines in establishing the party in public opinion, and it is in that quarter alone where governments in this country are made and unmade.