The Hokitika Guardian MONDAY, FEB. 27th, 1922. BACK TO FIRST PRINCIPLES.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian MONDAY, FEB. 27th, 1922. BACK TO FIRST PRINCIPLES.

Tan mineral Party, according to a caption in a Wellingon paper is “Back to Seddon.” This slogan is tantamount to saying Pint, the ,Party is uaek to first principles, bent on performing its political task in the manner most litting tlie greatest good for the greatest number. Since Mr Wilford launched his Liberal campaign at Petone, the Labor Party lias made its beginning in Christchurch. In both instances, it was made plain that there was no possible hope of ' alliance between these two parties. This ill well to understand at the outset, as a fundamental principle, for it was the custom at the last two general elections, to suggest some form of unholy alliance between the Liberals and Extreme Labor. That fabrication is now nailed down by the two sides competent to speak with the greatest authority, so when later the Reform press or its speakers, seek to resurrect a state ment which was used to do Reform good service at the last poll in tlu) matter of vote-splitting, the public should he aware that the allegations of such an ' alliance are without foundation. In going back to first principles and to the

Seddonian programme of progressive legislation, the party is on its soundest ground. The Seddon record was one New Zealand is very proud of, for it is being quoted to the advantage of the Dominion all round file world. In many (great reforms New Zealand led the world, and at the same time the Liberal party gave the country sound finance, reduced taxation, and created a condition of life which secured to New Zealand the endearing appellation that it was “God’s Own Country.” If our polities direct us back to those happy and contented conditions of life and liv-i ing, then the Liberals will contribute as they did before to the greatest good for the greatest number. The catalogue of Liberal legislation for the advancement of this country and its people is altogether creditable. Tt will stand the closest review and criticism after all [

| these years, and the greatest aspect to 1 its credit, is the growing feeling chat the people are now longing for a return to the halcyon days of vole. The Liberals when they ousted the Conservatives after Sir Harry Ackinstm’u.tailj ure of government, set about a programme at once considered revolutionary and calculated to drive N<‘\\ Zealand to hopeless bankruptcy. Tittle proved the falsity of these criticisms, for the sallity (if the legislation and the wisdom of the finance lifted New Zealand —small as it is—to a foremost place. The successors of the old Conservative party who have ruled of late under the name of Reformers have muddled along as did Sir Harry Atkinson before them, and,the time has come round again for the Liberals to take charge and save the country from serious financial disaster. It will he no light task. But by going hack to first principles, and dealing with the masses and not with the classes, with the whole and not the favored few, the position can he retrieved. The Liberals have had always oil their side earnest men devoted to the welfare of their country. In their ranks to-day are solid inch of that type. The country heeds them now, aiid during this yi-ilr the country will have the opportunity of showing its predisposition politically.