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Hokitika Guardian, 19 February 1925, Page 2

In tile political world of this country many Stories are rife as to possibilities. At the moment the leader of the Liberals is most confident in regard to the trend of events. Mr Massey’s health continues to be unsatisfnctoiy. Though better, he is far, it appears, from being in robust, active health, capable of going through with a big campaign such as a general election would mean. Reform in that event will be heavily handicapped, for without his personal leadership and touch the party is likely to drift into groups. Several viceleaders are spoken of, and in making the actual choice the difficulties arise. Again there is the possibility of likely defections from the party even in the present House. The ■ defections would add to the strength of the Liberals. Labor is probably less trusted than ever, perhaps for the reason that it is disposed to change its color, being now more pink than red. This variation suggests a measure of distrust even in its own ranks. In the circumstances the Literals are standing the test of time with the least likelihood of eclipse. For the next election, which might come sooner than is generally anticipated, the Laterals will have many p

minent men in the field. Ability and reliability will he the test so far as the Liberal candidates are concerned, and this is going to ensure a good choice being put l>efore the electors. On the foie of things, therefore, the Liberals from the leader down, are looking fosward with a large amount of confidence to the immediate future. A

change in the politcal direction of the country is now inevitable, and the Liberals are getting ready to carry on with both ability and reliability.

The Hon. Minister of Lands, we notice, is being praised considerably by the North Island press for his interest in land development. That matter comes naturally within his sphere, and Sir McLeod is looking very closely into the subject. He is finding out things, too. Some of the expensivelytreated land, such as the reclaimed Hauraki swamp lands and pumice land do not promise a return satisfactory on the outlay in the effort to bring them into profit. It is to be hoped when the Minister visits Westland in a month or two, that his attention will be directed specially to tbe swamp

lands in this County. There are several large areas adjacent to settlements which should he brought into profit and add to the wealth of the locality. In several instances private enterprise has done a good deal in the effort to bring the land into a useful productive condition. It is land, we take it, which is very much cheaper in the first instance than North Island land, and for that reason is all the more worthy of attention. The Minister’s personal interest in the utilisation of swamp lands should suggest to the Progress League, the principal local body, and all concerned in tbe advancement of Westland, the object of seizing on the coming visit as an opportunity to forgo the district ahead. The suggestion might be made for the Minister to visit many of the “areas personally, anil then he furnished with reports as to possibilities. "Where settlers themselves are doing their best with drainage works, help might be given to further assist them with a more comprehensive scheme, and for Crown lands a definite vote for drainage works should be provided. The opportunity is one in the interests of the future of the district that the most should he made of it.