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Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1925, Page 2

Quite a stirring interest is lieing manifested in the political future of New Zealand hv the newspapers of all colors. The case of the Dominion is typical of other British countries where three parties subsist. The first effect of Uilior where it shows signs of dominance. is to create an anti-Lnbor force from the opposing groups. That was practicaly what happened in the recent British elections. The fear of a Labor reign Wing established caused public opinion so to react that, the Labor party was divorced from office, [here

is the tendency for the same thing to happen in New Zealand this year. There are those -who. believe for various reasons that Labor has a chance at the coming election of becoming the dominant party. It is possible on the face of things. Labor itself professes to be very hopeful if not confident about its prospects. The more optimism displayed by Labor in that direction, the greater will be the antagonism formed against it. The belief in a good political opposition in Parliament is a sound one. A strong opposition for instance liy .Labor would have its effect as a driving force in regard to Parliamentary work, and the public anxious for reasonable progress would not he averse to Labor playing a useful part in the political welfare of the country along those lines. Hilt the point remains, bow far the fear of Labor as a possible government force will succeed in driving the two other forces in New Zealand into one political camp. The course is not too clear for that because of'the rival leaderships, and there is not any compromise leader in sight at present, who could influence any marked unity of action. The point remains that New Zealand has been so definitely Liberal in thought since the days of Sir George Grey that the old love is not going to be put aside readily. On the contrary. Liberalism has served this country so well that its deeds are outstanding and are over recurring to the political mind. The Liberal policy in this country has made ever for progress and marked prosperity. It has served all classes so fairly that it has become the basis for a universal policy. The Liberals in this country will come again, and the course of events as so shaping themselves, that the time of arrival is not as far distant as some folk would try to persuade themselves is the case.

Bur where fusions of parties have taken place oil an emergency or as a political compromise, there is not any guarantee the compacts will stand any undue strain. We had ail example of that here when the National Government was in office to tide over the war. It was able to deal with the war (|Uestinii comprehensively, but when it clime to a domestic policy to carry on after the war. the party broke up. In the same way fusions in Australia have not been lastng nor have they been happy families. Arranged as matters of expediency, when the main purpose is served, the party disintegrates on vital issues of internal concern. In the same way experience has shown that even Labor parties composed of groups of divergent views, are not able to bold together for an enduring period. Hninsav .A! acDonald’s .Ministry was

wrecked in the main because a faction outside the Government shaped its Hussion policy and went to extremes. Tn Italy the Socialistic party under the strong man Mussolini is disrupting and his great strength is waning. In Australia there have been recurring examples of the danger of breaking up once tlie parly is in power, and has the opportunity to exercise a policy. Tt is in regard to the details of that policy where the differences arise, and oneo the wedge is inserted, the end is inevitable. This procedure appears to be a kind of political evolution in keeping witli the times. The question is a national one in each sphere, and after all the problems cun be settled only nationally. Tn the matter of truly national politics, the effect of Liberalism lies been dominant. It is the greatest universal force, for its objective is to serve all. It: is lint for class, hut for mass, and its ultimate strength, comes from that fact. In the New Zealand political triangle. Liberalism is the safest force to he used. It is safest, because of its excellent record which is a guarantee for the future when power is attained again. The achievements of the Liberals in. tliis country are the most outstanding record of any political party, and that is the surest guarantee to the people where the best interests of the Dominion lie. The lime is coining when an appeal to the people must he mad'. |! is an appeal to reason and not to passions and prejudice. Ihe result in the end will not he difficult- to anticipate, for where common sense directs, a sound decision may lie anticipated.