The Hokitika Guardian THURSDAY, DEC. 21st, 1922. POLITICAL POSSIBILITIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 December 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian THURSDAY, DEC. 21st, 1922. POLITICAL POSSIBILITIES.

Tun political quidnuncs are busy trying to solve the situation revealed by the late general election—and most of them successfully in doing so—to their own satisfaction. But withal the position is still very indefinite and far from clear ami many things might happen. In different provinces there are differing opinions as to wliat ought to he done, and in the aggregate there is quite a divergence of opinion as to methods of definte action. Even the Reform piess of Christchurch, while pluming themselves that Mr Massey can carry on. is still beseeching the Liberals to “go over” in numbers suffi-cient-to assure a strong stable government. The leaders of the Reform party in Canterbury are even more frank and definite. They are urging—and not under their breath—that a new party should he created and they have found a name for it already—the National Liberals. This is a compliment to the Liberals, but no doubt tn e trend of public opinion is backing enough for the ehoico, for after all it was thfi Liberals who have irmde fill that- war worth whilo In the political' history o? this rfwjitr#?; The Eaft-

Coast idea, if not desire, is plainly for a fusion of the two old parties— Reform and Liberal. The belief is that such a fusion is possible and in the minds of many most desirable as a necessity 4 > fight extreme Labor. The value of such a coalition can be based onlv on the terms which are agreed to. Neither party will agree to be swallowed up and lose its distinctive identity. There is also ; to he considered what should happen in the event of a fusion. The two parties ns they exist now. have no mandate to carry on ns a coalition and the point arises, if an agreement ean lie reached, whether there should not he another appeal to the country. A fresh appeal to the country on the tri-partv system could hardly bo of any advantage, for a result on the lines of the present deadlock might be expected. At the same time there is the high cost of a general election to bo considered, and on this score the proposal is not enticing. Really, the first move is with Mr Massey’s Government. On the figures he has bad the worst of the poll, and under ordinary circumstances should have made a pronouncement as to the resignation of ills Government ere tins. But apparently, lie has hope of winning over some of the Liberals, and so bag contented himself with announcing an early assembly of Parliament. As was pointed out previously.this is highly essential for financial reasons. The stringency in the public Treasury calls for immediate attention,

and no Government can frame its policy without some assurance of a reign of power behind it. Mr Massey or whoever is to he Prime Minister, requires to be assured of his positon for n term, because a policy will have to he directed which will require both backing and time to lie effective. The sooner Parliament meets to determine the political fate of the country the better, hut with the holidays intervening seme time will have to he sacrificed. Looking to all the circumstances, it would appear Mr Massey has a most difficult problem to solve unless lie is prepared to he openly frank and throw himself on the generous promptings of the Liberals. Tn that event- ho would, at least have done something tn shift the onus for the situation on to other shoulders, and it is in that direction his friends in Canterbury particularly are endeavouring to force definite action. Time will soon reveal now the material step which it is necessary tn take in the matter.