The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) SATURDAY, APRIL 12th, 1924. HOME POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1924, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) SATURDAY, APRIL 12th, 1924. HOME POLITICS.

Thkuk arc not any indications that tho Labor Government at Home is riding for a fail. Although it has had a precarious time this week, it is evident that the opposing parties are not in a vindictive mood, and are seeking only to keep the Government on the path it should follow. The Government on the other hand must attempt something for its party principles lint the experience has'shown this week that its powers in that direction, arc limited to the good offices of the Opposition keeping dose watch and ward. It remains to he seen for how long the Government will tolerate this kerb. Meantime in other avenues of the administration, the Government is doing its duty wisely. .Mr MacDonald is proving a sound Foreign Secretary, and is building up a state of affairs in regard to the relations with the Emnpean situation which must reflect- greatly to the general advantage of Great Britain. It is conceivable that the ex-Premicrs, Messrs Asquith, Lloyd George, and Baldwin, are British enough to give the Labor Premier a good run in regard to the foreign policy. If the continental state of war and turmoil can bo reduced to more pacific conditions it will he a great gain indeed, and knowing the extreme difficulties of the situation, the cx-Premiers will willingly lie most considerate. Mr MacDonald has applied himself most diligently to the settlement of European affairs, ami has been rather aloof in regard to more domestic matters. This explains what is regarded as his weak speech on the Anti-Evic-tion Bill, in respect to which, by the way, his colleagues did not appear to special advantage either. However, the Government are tiding over the sit: : tion without a great loss of prestige. They have tried and failed in regard to a measure of amelioration for Labor, and their opponents have not triumphed unduly because the division cannot he considered a party one, giving either of the larger parties in opposition any direct advantage. Despite the situation, the alternative to the present Government is still as doubtful as ever. Xoither Conservative or Liberal could hold office with any greater certainty than Labor—less indeed. So it is that the MacDonald Ministry enjoys a measure of security no other Ministry could at the moment hope for.