The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JULY 17, 1924. A FOREGONE CONCLUSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 July 1924, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JULY 17, 1924. A FOREGONE CONCLUSION.

Tuk late’ of the Address-in-Iteply debate was a foregone oonclnsion from the outset. The division on the Imprest Supply bill at the end of Juno indicated how the general voting might go. The debate which dragged on since was largely inako lielieve; practically no new ground was covered. Members were content to address their constituents through Hansard, but sttroiy only a limited fewwili go to tnat source of information tor particulars of members’ views! AP a rt from local politics so discussed there were the usual personal lapses wherein members made charges and counter charges. The so-called practical joke referring to the circular issued on the subject of a national party could hardly have been intended ns such by the authors. The information placed in concrete form in the circular has been in the air ever since the last general election. There are thoso who are perfectly sincere in their desiro to see the bulk of the Reform and Liberal parties united in one party—call it what you will. "When the negotiations first entered npr

on it is said the preliminaries broke down only because the round table conference could not agree upon a suitable title or name. The. piinoipal difficulty, however, is to get the loaders of the existing parties to commit ixilitieal suicide. They are not feeling so disposed, and there \i,s not any rash enough in either party to suggest it to the leading chieftains. The leaders dominate the jiositioii, and so long as they wish to do so while in Parliament, they, will bold their respective followings. We may take it, therefore, that the national party is stillborn. While all this intrigue and conjecture is afoot, the Labour party is reaping an accumulating advantage. The Labor party has the best of the situation. While lit is not liked by either party, it is a factor to be counted upon in every division. Bailor is easy as to the political situation, and is biding its time—the next general election. Unless the proposed electoral reforms alter the complexion of affairs as affecting city representation. Labor must make material advances. Mr Massey has professed bis willingness to fare the electors at any time. ’Flint statement, however, is to be accepted at any time with a grain of salt’. He could precipitate a general election at any time were lie to so play bis cards, but lie is in office, and that is preferable to opposition, whence be will transfer after tho next polling. If Mr Massoy were in earnest about another election shortly, lie iwould lost l no time in formulating his policy, but lie is not making baste, for delay suits bis party best of all. Labor, it will have been noted of late, is toning down. Probably the approach of the possibilities of office suggest greater reserve, or may bo, watching Labor in office at Homo lias not been without profit. Re that as it may Labor is moving more circumspectly. for it is looking forward to what it believes to bo probaliilitos. The Liberals are displaying considerable hopefulness, founded no doubt on the benefits from electoral reforms in the cities. Tf proportional representation comes to pass for the city seats, the Liberals will be more hopeful than ever. 111 those circumstances it was stupidly futile to bent the air on a no-confidence motion with the House composed as it is.