The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15th, 1924 THE POLITICAL OUTLOOK.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1924, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15th, 1924 THE POLITICAL OUTLOOK.

The political outlook in Now Zealand indicates that the situation is so placid Unit the public as a whole are not greatly perturbed about future possibilities. There are signs of awakening on the part of the Liberals. The executive of the organisation met at Wolington this week, and indicated it v.as about to set out on a Dominion campaign to awaken public interest in tbe political .situation. Mr Massey has returned, but. his arrival lias had'not any effect on the political barometer, his reception at Wellington, was not specially enthusiastic. At tbe centre ol politics there is no evidence of any special concern in the course of events. With the Liberals about to move, Lahoi will be sure to show signs of greater activity- Some of the rank and file of the party are on the stump already, and it is noticeable are pluming themselves a good deal on the advent of I.abot to power in Great Britain. But though the New Zealand article also bears tbe label of Labour, it is not by any means of the same superior brand us the Home product. The Dominion party is sure to model itself as far as its extreme sections will permit on the British lines of action, and the fate and fortunes of Mr MacDonald will he a close study. It lia.s been said that in New Zealand the way is open to t he union of Reformers and Liberals, the two parties which stand tor the maintenance of constitutional government. They are held apart by no really fundamental principles, remarks a contemporary. Except for the tariff issue, much the same may be said concerning the corresponding parties in the Motherland. The ancient party differences between Conservatives and Liberals have been practically eliminated by the formidable and rapid evolution of the Labour Party. In other words, the differences, such as still exist between the Conservatives and Liberals are reconcilable. In order to effect a coalition there must necessarhn compromise and surrender, hut these refer to matters which are nonessential. It has boon well said that Liberals and Conservatives stand on one side of a cleavage which separates hotn irreconcilably from the Socialist party. But in the recent meeting at Wellington the Liberal Executive emphasised the fact that the Reform administration had run its course, and that there was a desire for a change of Government. If the Liberals take the platform as proposed, it will not he sufficient to rail against Reform, but the speakers must go further and enunciate a progressive policy within reason The present Government has Kt pt up taxation, and made few moves unless goaded or guided by the Opposition. No doubt Mr Wilford and his co-speakers will make a strong point of this. The Liberals can of course, refer ti their past record as a guarantee for the future, but that future must he gilded bv definite planks of policy which vill ensure the rearing of a truly progressive political development. Whatevet late the mission of the speakers meets with, their perambulations will

at least tend to awaken public opinion at an opportune time. Usually the platform is used only on the eve of an election when feelings are aroused to a fervent heat by party feeling. Jf the situation is stressed now in the cool of the recess before partisan feelings are awakened, the average elector will be disposed to view the position more dispassionately. Political combats ate often a matter of individual preference rather titan party policies, but with so many voting people becoming eligible for electoral privileges it is wise not to neglect their instruction in regard to the general position too long. 'Hit Labor papers and speakers tire not silent over long ill regard to their stoe of the question, and Ministers always moving about keep themselves and their party well to the fore. It is not sufficient that the Liberals move only onet every three years, and for that teason in particular the Liberal Executive was wise to determine on a Domin-ion-wide campaign at this juncture. It w ill do great good politically, hot hditeetly and indirectly, and no doubt move tla* other parties to somewhat similar action.