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Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1925, Page 2

Tim annual meeting of the local Swimming Club disclosed the earnest effort that was being made to familiarise the art of swimming among the young. About fifty per cent of the school children can now take care of themselves in the water. This is a great improvement on the figures given out formerly. The Club is writing to the committees offering to arrange facilities to teach the unqualified half the art of swimming. It is a wise step, and the schools and parents should make every effort to take advantage of the offer. The Club during the year si>ent a considerable sum in improving the baths. The most valuable improvement was to inatal a pumping plant for the regular supply of fresh water. This places the baths independent of the local watersupply which in times past so hampered the free use of the desirable addition jto the amenities of the town. Just now the Committee is having electric light installed perinanenty. The evening carnivals are the best source of income, and assist chiefly to carry out further improvements for the lienefit of votaries. A larger membership would he appreciated, and would be a help certainly to continue the policy of steady improvement to the baths, which after all, arc the property of the municipality, and are not of anv personal profit to the Club, the members of which are acting in quite a disinterested way.

Some interest in the political situation will bo stimulated no doubt when-the suggested conference of the Liberal party conies to pass. The present leader. Mr Wilford, lias determined on such a course, but it would appear is not disposed to set out on a Dominion tour while bis opponent. Mr Massey, is hors do combat. This is chivalrous. At the same time a statement from the Liberal party as to policy would not be out of place in assisting to form some idea as to the prospects. The political situation is very uncertain at the moment due to the Liberals being in a minority, and Reform in an uncertain majority. The third party which has contributed to the unstable position of Dominion polities, namely Labor, is

very active in putting forward its platform and its claims for consideration at the bauds of tin* electors at this year’s poll. Labor is thus getting a useful start, and ii» component parts are feeling elated accordingly by the reception being received in a clear field. But signs of movement by the other parties and interest would become more general. Our Wellington correspondent has spec ulated on the prospects of Sir J. G. Ward coining into the political arena again, if lie did, it is believed a. Wellington seat could be secured. Probably Sir Joseph would win a seat held by Deform, which from all accounts is destined to be lost to Labor unless a notable figure like Sir J. G. Ward enters the list. Returned to Parliament, Sir Joseph would become flic accepted leader of the l.iEerals. The strength of that party depends upon its general policy, and there is everything to be gained by disclosing it. Tt must not be a policy for windowdressing alone, but a practical forward policy in keeping with the progressive era of Liberalism in this country in times past. The excuse that one or other of the other parties may steal the political thunder of the Liberals and need not be taken into account. The Liberals at the outset should appropriate to themselves the credit of formulating a definite policy, indicating their political ability to govern wisely and well for the benefit of the. many and not for the few. To attain that degree of initial success, the proposed Christchurch conference would ho well timed at this juncture.