Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 15 December 1922, Page 2

Tjie next move in the political game is being awaited with interest. Subject to any recounts which may he demanded. the Government is in a minority. The lir>t move is with .Mr Massey. He has to decide whether lie will call Parliament together and face the po.-i----tion. or "ill defer that action and attempt a lino of compromise meantime by negotiating with the Liberals in part or in whole to patch up ail otherwise impossible tenure. There is no occasion for the Liberals to consort with Labor for the pleasure of turning out the Government. That could he done, but we are persuaded Mr Wilford will advise his party on a less dramatic, course. For instance, if proper assurances were given as to remedial legislation which the Liberals have lieen demanding a section of that party ample enough to keep Reform in power, might agree to do so, to afford the opportunity to Mr Massey to pass the legislation. This bargain would relate in the main to electoral reform and possibly reform of the Upper House, making it also elective. Tf that considerable stride were taken, the Liberals could rest on their oars, and further exorcise their voting strength in assisting to shape anil improve Reform legislation, AJr has ftod sqrpf.

i thing to say about the similarity cf the two policies, and himself claims to he something of a Liberal I The acid test could he put off the Prime Minister who holding office only by the grace of the Liberals, would he expected to promote the advanced legislation which the country by its recent verdict is demanding. In any case Air Massey must assure himself in regard to his tenure of office. There are presj sing financial reasons calling lor a certain knowledge of his position. fhe coming year, together with the one to follow, will he a very difficult time financially, and Mr Massey knows that | the Prime Minister requires to be snfclv in the saddle to assure him of a . serviceable ride. If he feels he cannot hold Parliament, with the financial problems ahead, he should say so. If lie wants the help of , the Liberals, as in other days, he should say so frankly. Tf it is to lie a ease of country first before party, Mr Massey must lie prepared to practice it and not * simply to proacli it. The obligation to lead is distinctly on his shoulders.

! A iikkintte step towards the realisation „f a soldiers’ club for the town was ' taken on Wednesday night, when a ! committee ivas set up to go into the ' selection of a site, and consider ways and means to raise the funds. The 1 meeting from tho soldiers’ point of view j was a good one, well attended and ! tho subject closely discussed. This is ns it should he and was an earnest of I what the men want. There should be no hanging hack on the part of the public to assist in this matter because in times past a promise was given to ■ co-operate when the time was ripe for : action. A. certain amount of money is in hand, and promises of material were made in regard to various supplies. The initial difficulty is n suitable central site at a reasonable price, : whereon to erect what should lie a useful and ornamental edifice. 1 lie town needs an improved class of hall for many functions and the need will he more emphasised in a year or so of time when the population again moves ahead as a result of improved railway access. Another aspect of the utility of the proposed building, is that it will afford club room facilities which are lacking at present. In most towns men’s dub rooms are a useful place of rendezvous, and as was mentioned on Tuesday night the soldiers in particular Feel tho want of such a place. It is not unusual to'find young men gathered under friendly verandahs or being • forced to consort in places where they : would rather not he if a convenient eluh room in which they could feel a J possessory right were at their disposal. There is an obligation upon tile people as a whole to see that want supplied if the rig}it thing is to he done for the returned men. That obligation ! will lie discharged, we are persuad- ; ed. if a comprehensive scheme is brought down. The public are never i slow to show practical interest in t>’e , welfare of the returned men. and the present instance will not he any execution once the details are fully explained to the people.