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Hokitika Guardian, 24 October 1922, Page 2

With regard to the prospects of tile Liberal Party at tin* forthcoming poll, from more than one quarter it is being remarked that in the revival of the Liberal-Labor combination, the party has been extremely fortunate in tile class of candidate coming forward to carry the Liberal flag. A budding member in South Canterbury supplies the though l for the times to-day, and among his other qualities it is clear patriotism is outstanding. This is mentioned because so often is raised ! the cry that to vote for 'Reform is to vote for loyalty, as if there were no other party with, not pretentions, hill the strongest evidence of being thoroughly loyal. Mr Langford, the eandidate just referred to, however, stands as a, straight-out Liberal, “a follower of the man who gave every man and every worn a n in the Dominion the right to vote.” In that statement there is wrapped up the essence of true liberalism—the greatest, good for the greatest number. The late Mr Redden at the head of the Liberals was -pspopsihle for the extension of the

franchise, an act which will forever sthmp the Liberals rts the most sincere I performers of promises yet made to tile people. Doubless, realising this fact accounts for the many good men coining forward to espouse openly the cause of liberalism—for the country is growing more and more tired of the spacious promises made by the Reformers which they have never made the i least effort to fulfil.

Although it is some months since the arrangements were assented to for the carrying of West Coast dairy produce through the Arthur’s Pass tunnel, it appears that recently when the first consignment of butter from tho Kokntahi was sent along, there was muddle and confusion as between the Departments concerned—Public Works and Railways—in regard to the handling of the commodity. There had been no official notification and reciprocation as between the two Departments, and when the butter reached Arthur’s Pass the red tape involved would not permit the Railway officials to take the truck on to Lyttelton. Actually the Public Works staff bad to unload the butter into a Canterbury truck before the Railway people would deign to touch the freight! Further, there was no arrangement as to tariff, with the result that the charges mounted up to any old price, and far exceeded shipping freight. More muddle. With

instances such as this—a total lack 1 of departmental foresight, coupled with a complete absence of business ability in catering for trade, it is no wonder the public are told every week this or that State Department is not paying. The Government- is cither muddling the administration of the country, or the task has got beyond its control. It is high time for drastic changes to take place or the country will be precipitated to a disaster too dire to contemplate.