The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) WEDNESDAY. JUNE 25th. 1924. SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1924, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) WEDNESDAY. JUNE 25th. 1924. SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICS.

Tuc political situation of South Allien is definitely clear. Tho Of position 1 net lias been successful nt the polls, mul totals S2, against the ;>! of tin* South African Party. Being in a minority oi g*l. the Government- lias no option hut to resign, and .Mr llerlzog ns the leader of the Nationalists will he sent ior, and is being acclaimed already as the Premier-elect. His patty numheis (id us against Id in the former Parliament, so tlial the Nittionnlists nitty lie ereilited with a substantial pain. Labor which formerly held nine seats, has doubled il' strength, and is the Kingpin in the majority Mr Heitzog will enjoy, (icnornl Smuts' ptirty is reduced from 79 to dd. while the Premier himself wms defeated, and other Ministers lost their seats also. The result on the numerical strength of the parties in Parliament is beyond question. Tho fact that the South African parly 10ceived such a large national vote, however. and i- yet tillable to hold office, points once again to the difficulty of adjustin'; the political strength of parties on the democratic! vote, where three or mote parlies are involved in ‘‘first piist the post" contests. There will he ti demand for electoral reform in South Africa as in other countries, and the latest experience will he the text for utility an article and many a speech in New Zealand, now that this country is about, to consider seriously the question of electoral reform. The recent election in .South Africa was a clear out effort, to eject the Smuts' Government. It has succeeded, and it remains now for those entrusted with the Government to take the place and justify the action. Mr Hertzng lm.s made a temperate statement as to his policy, and indicates his intention of observin'; the pact on the question of secession. The Labor party will not support him in that movement, so he must needs make a virtue of necessity. General Smuts is hoing given tho opportunity to contest another scat, and his return to Parliament would be of the utmost importance to tlie country. Ifis ability and knowledge of the position call for his further service in public life and the result of the coming by-election will, doubtless, demonstrate this fact. It remains to l,e seen for the moment, whether the new Ministry will he purely National—that is Dutch—or n composite Ministry, including a leaven of Labor ntemher.s. The latter are to express their wishes after a caucus, but in any ease they will lie the real power to a groat extent as the life and the work of tho new Ministry will depend in the main on the votes of the Labor members when crucial questions are up for decision. ATr Tfertzog will find his policy governed at every turn by the will of the I."bar tote. The Premier-elect lias spoken frankly on the question of amending the Constitution, and he is not disposed to take that serious stop “till the hulk of tho people, especially tho mass of British feeling is in its favor." That postpones any prospect of “cutting the painter" rather indefinitely, and the assurance will be welcomed generally. For the rest, time will quickly unfold the policy of the now Government, and opportunity will soon offer to judge the position on its merits as to Hie policy revealed.