Thoughts For The Times

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1922, Page 2

Thoughts For The Times

United to Oppose. The announcement that a fusion has been arranged of the sections of the Parliamentary Opposition led by Messrs Wilford and Statham respectively is welcome both as a sign that political realities are being recognised, and as ending a cleavage for which there was never any necessity. To a greater degree than at any time during the last thirty years the New Zealand Parliament needs to-day a strong and efficient Opposition. The Government of the day, possessed of a docile and obedient majority and buttressed by extraordinary powers (to which it is continually adding), has lost to a very large extent all sense of responsibility either to the Parliament or to the jreople. It is not too much to say.*that the fundamental principles of Parliamentary government are imperilled by the actions of the present occupants of the Treasury benches. In the face of such circumstances fine shades of political philosophy and personal likes and dislikes should and must be laid aside in favour of a united and determined effort to oppose proposals which threaten the welfare of the community and the authority of Parliament, and we are pleased that this view is being accepted by members. —Lyttelton Times.