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Hokitika Guardian, 1 October 1924, Page 2

R That the Labor Government is feeling its loot at Home, is evidenced by ,Iho “ positive icmarks by the Prime .Minister in regard to the Russian treaty and its adoption, and the alarm of Lord Birkenhead as to the | nsxihlc developments following the adoption of the treaty. Further evidence of the political strength ol the Labor Government outide the House is to be found in (lie attitude of the Onnsorvalives over the Irish boundary issue which they ate not disputed to press to the Point of ousting the Got e: iiiuont. It is known if defeated on either the boundary issue or the treaty with Russia, Labor is ready to append to the people. With Conservative and Liberal at variance, Labor lias a good chance of triumphing. It will be recalled that in a moment of pi,pie Mr Baldwin brushed the l iberals aside and appealed to the people. The result was the ousting c| the Coiisc:vatives Low office. Now from Lord Bii kenhead’s rem.irk.s it is clear that the mistake is realised, and that as far as his following and prestige is concerned, he is anxious to tiring about a reappronrhmeiit between the two parties. He realises that the alternative is more or less an extended term of office by the Labor Government, which onto firmly in office would have freer rein to indulge in its socialistic tendencies. For the time- being Labor i.s held in the kerb bv tbo Liberal voting power in the House, and its essentially Labor platform is: kept in the background. Instead. Mr MacDonald lias been acting tactically on foreign affairs and doiii"; remarkably well. Tn some respects lie lias achieved what bis predecessors could not accomplish, though the turn of events in France was a material aid in that respect. But he has the right to claim success on very difficult problems and in so doing lie carries p:cst'g? to his party. If the fate of the Government is to hang on the Russian treaty the odds a'e rather in favor of Labor. The Liberals deemed such a treaty a necessity. It ; s therefore a matter of terms to .satisfy the majority. Mr MacDonald made an eleventh ! hour settlement with the Russian dele- . gat ion, and it. remains to he seen who- , ther lie has gone too far or not. Possibly the question of security for the iuture is as doubtful with Russia as with Germany. Tn both instances a 1 certain amount of risk has to he taken,

and nnlessfjtliu risk is resolved upon it is a question how long the chaotic state of affairs which will obtain otherwise, will continue.