The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, JUNE 13th, 1924. POLITICAL POINTERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1924, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, JUNE 13th, 1924. POLITICAL POINTERS.

Tiikkk are signs of late which seem to indicate that the political situation in the Dominion is less uncertain than many are led to believe. Our Wellington correspondent in the newsy letter published oil Wednesday evening, drew attention to the goings and comings of Ministers in particular, who. Hitting ii]i and down the country are giving addresses as opportunities offer, and the occasions seem to he very frequent. It will he noticed there are not any set political speeches by Ministers of the nature of pro-sessional addresses to foreshadow the political programme for the coming session of Parliament in a fortnight’s time. There has been some piece-meal announcements as to the names of some of the hills on the stocks, hut nothing definite ns to a detailed policy. Doubtless the Governor-General’s speech at the opening of the August assembly on the 26th. ipst will bo equally shnd-

owv. We may take it, therefore, that the Covet'iimcnt will be playing tlio part of opportunists, and bringing down in tbe end such legislation as may have the liest chain e of a safe passage. Ministers have been proclaiming that there will not be any election this year, but it is unticablc they are keeping their powder dry in ease of active hostilities ,-iud where silting Relorniers are doubtful starters. (!nvernuient candidates in their place are being tagged officially already. There are reports that, from the present House the (lovernnient is likely to have a convert. one of Hie Independent I.ulnir members being mentioned. (In the other hand Mr Isitt. has indicated 11 1 1■ - early he is not likely to he. a candidate again, while Mr Witty is said to he a doubtful starter in the next campaign. These are ail pointers which seem to suggest that coming events nr<! easting a rather long shadow already. On the other hand we have the [liberals very busy on the wing, securing votes of confidence even in tbe electorate of the Prime .Minister, -it Aslibmton the other evening M> Forbes spoke with a good deal if confidence about the possible lesiilt uf next, election. Tlieie is the fact also that the Reform press are busy eauvrs. sing the position, and pointing out (as of vore) how impossible it is for tbe L,ibcrnls .’to ‘‘conn? buck.” Tbe teat- polit ictilly •is mil an.v more difficult than the ordinary change over of public opinion in legat'd to general politic'. Reform has been wearing nut its welcome in many ways, aid the Liberals with their great traditional record are as likely as not to “eome back" at the next time of asking. Labor is looking Ku waiti to the m xt appeal to t.lie people with a gieat 'leal of confidence. The hope is founded largely on the experience at Homu where Labor stepped into power—and so far the Thames has not been set. on lire even though the House of (’ominous adorns the banks of that age-old liver. Certainly at Home the brand of liiibor in power has proved mere moderate than the branch of Labor in this country, which in times past has espoused causes which we are sure will never be countenanced by tbe people as a whole in this Dominion. The New Zealand Labor party is learning wisdom and no doubt picking up points Imm tbe major ) arty in tbe 1 nited Kingdom. Tbeiefore Labor is hopeful and regards the political signs of the times in the country as promising. Labor expects to carry most, of tbe city seats for tile Labor unions are organising politically. That is a strong pointer. If tbe country is at all lavoitrable to Labor it is not it remote contingency that Is'ibor may rule, but us Mr Km lies indicated will be watched chisels'.