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Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1924, Page 2

Tiik concluding sentences of the article just quoted are worth conning over. The splitting of parties into groups or blocs is died; mating each other, and is causing a condition of impotence so far as political action is concerned. It is the same in British communities also. In Great Britain there is government not by the party in power, but only by permission of one of the parties out of power--so to speak. In. New Zealand the sitting Government holds office only by the grace of members of I’arliament outside the politics of the party in power. Australia preken t« similar cases. It- would appear, as the American writer says “Democracy has run itself to ground.” No doubt the war and war-time experiences were the cause of all this unsettlement, and it must take time necessarily to mend matters. But there is wisdom in the remark expressed also by the American that the public will welcome any authority which promised to lie strong enough and patriotic enough to give good government. It is in this spirit tint the Labor Government- has been reviewed so favorably at Home, and that there is the desire to give Labor its chance. The MacDonald Government lias a strong personnel and has given satisfactory evidence so far ol its patriotism. The public are content therefore to accept its reign without alarm or special concern. Its fate all the time is governed by its own eonduct, for in the Liberal and Conservative opposition there are watch-dogs determined to maintain the constitution computable with the best traditions ot the nation, and there is not likely io lie any serious divergence from that national regard. It- is of the utmost importance for all governments to maintain law and order and to protect industry and vested interests entered upon in good faith. The practice of 1 1 lose precepts are the cardinal virtues of the national character, and government along those lines—which covers the greatest good for the greatest number will not go far amiss. Democracies at heart are seeking after such a goal.

Tiik winding-up process of the Exhibition undertaking must be, necessarily, somewhat- drawn out. The interim report submitted -by the Treasurer to the Council meeting on Monday night, indicated that matters financially were proceeding satisfactorily. The expendiiute for such a- venture must mount lip. It was indicated that the total payments to date were £6643, to which has to be added £669 passed for payment on Monday. That is a total outgoing of £7,312, and there are still additional accounts to be met. The payments received to date were given at £5.674, with a considerable sum of cash payments in sight, and much material still to realise upon. The pleasing announcement was made at the meeting, that if the realisation of the assets continues as satisfactorily as has been the experience so far, there does not appear to be any probability of a call on the guarantors. This is a pleasing prospect indeed. Over £3,000 were guaranteed by the citizens to cover any possible financial deficiency, and it will tie a particularly good performance if lhe big undertaking clears itself and comes out square. Those associated with the management are to 'be congratulated upon the general position

and tho immediate outlook. Tho result prmiaes to bo Tory creditable indeed, more particularly the splendid advertisement tho town and district has received from the Exhibition. A clear balance sheet will add greatly to tho all-round success of tho occasion.