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Hokitika Guardian, 25 July 1924, Page 2

It is not surprising to see that there is a cciisi lelal le section of the farming communities desirous of forming a political party. This is tlw day of sectional jolitical organisations, and in most countries nowadays farmers or country parties are an established fact. With independent political organisations many sections of a community receive a hotter hearing. I'nily is strength, and this is well exemplified in political action. Were it not

that a I armors' government reigns in this country, the proposeis of the mci'cincnt would find their present tad; much easier. Those who agitate for a political policy do so wit!, .be ohje i ol creating a lever to achieve th ii •ouU >|uiekor than i- possible now. Whether sectional parties are good for the Government of a country is not well enough tried out yet.

So far the expenditure is not t< • sa’isfatto;y. Third and fourth jarties, off-shoots if the main jolitical parties, soom to lea»l to intrigue ami to n dogroe of political instability and uncertainty which is mu too pmmising. In the Australian States there are some examples of how the separate i dinYal activities agreed < n general princi] les. yet diffeiod aLout details, and fell out. letting an opposition into power. And an opposition one established in power is not easy to unseat. There is the 1 resent English ca.se. where the Government though in a minority as a

distinct party organisation, manages to hang on to office. In this country the Massey Government has never heen numerically strong, and at present holds office by the grace ot o;i]»v sition .supporters who for the moment are fearful of another sectional party. So there is a reign of minority Government in many parts of the Empire. I’erhai s the closeness of the party strength may he something cf a brake on political a-tion, and that as a consequence Radicalism is not practised as fully as it might. But hero in New Zealand political action by the farmers is sure to conic- to the surface more and more. The needs of tlie occasion combined with happenings about them will force the action, and so another power, for better or for worse, will grow into being

Tiif. Allied Conference in progress in l.ondon is of absorbing interest, The deliberations carry the puhlie wntcriieil to the | artint; of the ways- -to the verge of a crisis. Jt is a momentous time, indeed, for involved in the situation is the leave of Europe. Just how far the Allies co-operate in the iinal decision and conclusions, depeucs on t.-ie real t o-oporation oi Germany to meet the reiitiiremeiits of the Allies. If the latte; are not united, Germany will he wily enough to seek what further advantages it can from the untoward circumstances. The stumbling lilot k to a ready, ha] py

settlement seems to he Franco, which is prepared to make the least t.neriiitv of all to ensure peace. It is manifest that peace may he obtained now only at a price, and he the course what it may, thc r "Allics will secure lesIroin the enemy than was at one time expected. In Franee the political parties are at variance, with a pervad.n, dc.sfre for revenge upon Germany, i liatives offered hv allied nations to placate Frame are not being received very cordially. But it he Conference continues, and the alternative to failure to reach an agreement is so disastrous. that it. is to he hoped an lltli. hour agreement will he reached. Grout Britain through its Prime .Minister has performed excellent service in the effoit to secure unanimity and success. We take it that if the Allies are agreed with any warmth of enthusiasm, the loan necoissary to finance the 1 Itimale settlement will he negotiated. The c nited States is represented at the Conference ‘‘in a spirit of helpfulness,'’ as it is known that A.mcrii a favors the Dawes report, doubtless the States will lend countenance and suport to the lean ]rojosc(l. ]n that event it is certain the hankers’ objection would disappear. The- next day or two are l'rcgnati with possibilities, and their outcome will lie awaited with great interest. The unity of the Allies is the stepping stone to a complete ami satisfactory settlement with Germany.