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Hokitika Guardian, 3 November 1924, Page 2

Tiik triumph of the Conservatives and Constitutionalists at tlie polls at Home is so complete ns to ensure stable government for some years to come. The Constitutionalists, or second wing, is composed mainly of Liberals, and in studying the so-called rout of the Liberal that fact should not be overlooked. 'When the analysis of the voting is complete it will be found that the vote for the Liberals is a very large one, and the proportion of voting power under a more equitable system of representation would entitle the party to much greater numerical strength in the new House. While that feature is beside the question so far as actual representation is concerned now, it is useful to bear in mind when it is being given out that the Liberals have suffered a debacle. Political history has the knack of repeating itself, and the Liberals will “come again”. In considering the political situation much praise has been given to the Labor party for certain phases of its work, notably in regard to the foreign policy. In this connection also it is well to remember that it was the poli-

tical courage and resource of the Liberals which kept Labor in power to do those deeds. Tt was only when Labor transgressed and went ton far. that the Liberals with equal political courage stepped in and moved a fatal amendment which Mr Ramsay MacDonald agreed to accept as decisve. For what benefits the Kingdom derived from the short reign of the Labor Ministry, the Liberals are entitled to generous credit, and the foundation laid in regard to matters European by the defeated government with the aid of the Liberals, will he greatly to the comfort of the Conservatives when they take up tiie reins of office. Indeed apart from the Russian treaty question, the new government will have its immediate difficulties with Empire and domestic problems. But in regard to tl ics ? H Fill

have its quiver full. Still tlm GovGrnlncnt will lie so strong and its mandate is so dear, that it cannot but make progress where, hitherto, owing to the doubt and difficulty of the political situation at Home the authoVities were restricted and restrained in their efforts to act holdlv.,. For .the timo being Mr Baldwin will fie busy Cabi-net-making. But he has plenty of experienced opinion to call upon. His own experiences during the past three years will make him wiser counsellor also, and lie may lie expected to move circumspectly. At least he has an independent following clear of all other parties, and with a result achieved from a contest fought on the ines laid down, he should have no qualms about the policy he should promulgate and push forward in Parliament.