The Hokitika Guardian THURSDAY, SEPT. 21st, 1922.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian THURSDAY, SEPT. 21st, 1922.

liberalism

With a general election looming ahead attention from this on will be directed towards the merits and demerits . of the rival parties which will be seeking the suffrages of the electors. Tho Liberal Party is going before the public and its record of' legislative accomplishments commend it to the people as being distinctly in the interests of the many and not of the few. Sir John Findlay, lately discoursed on liberalism and he said ‘‘the keynote of Liberalism is freedom—freedom and equality.” Sir John no doubt had in mind the magnificent record the party achieved during its term of office—a record which appears more magnificent still b.v comparison with the legislative work of those who came after. Liberalism as its name implies, stands for liberty, and tjie party was always building up, enfranchising the people, giving them greater individual opportunities and providing for all the comfort of a secure old age, when n&cossity occasioned it. The Wherflla enlarged the frsneWsf?;

they found land for the people; they supplied cheap money; they organised State enterprises which resulted in cheaper insurance; they secured the banking conditions; they passed human legislation for the worker and the aged; they took up the burden of Empire responsibilities; they cared for the ycting—even to the unborn whereby expectant mothers were relieved of ail anxiety, and generally adopted a forward legislative policy which in its day was the envy and emulation of the outside world. As regards the administration of the country, no government past nor present, has a better record than that of the long reign of the Liberals which adopted self-reliance to retrieve the financial fortunes of •tins country, adjusted taxation reasonably, and carried on the public works of the Dominion in a sane and safe manner. Important works such as the North Island main trunk and the Midland railway were provided for, and above all by a scheme to help the settlement of tiie back country, help for bnckblock reading and other conveniences of access were pushed on. Liberalism was just sane government doing the greatest good for the greatest number in a wellordered way. In doing that it gave the people socuritv and contentment and New Zealand flourished greatly, Its reputation stood high, for it Was a country of constant achievement going from one task to another, always building up, always ameliorating.conditions, and offering equal opportunity to all to succeed. The great industries were fostered; the resources were entered for in a practical way seeking and establishing markets, and providing ready to hntld the best advice and instruction for the producer. Liberalism has a record to be proud of. and it stands out in. contrast to-day as the best and safest form of political administration New Zealand has yet anjoyed: