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Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1925, Page 2

Thkhe have been rumbling political rumours from Invercargill for some time past. It is a live political centre. The Hon. J. Ha nan is the member Xoi Invercargill and there is an active press there taking an intimate interest in politics. The fact that Sir Joseph Ward represented for so long an adjacent constituency probably helped t instil into the average mind a closer <onccrn in political happenings, Ee that as it may. Invercargill seems to he the home of the latest political party which i.s styled a young New Zealand l’arty. The name is not a happy choice. “Youth, we are told will have its fling, hut an entirely youthful party without the sage wisdom, and ballast of older minds, might wreck itself, if n it the country, all too soon. There are of course sonic promising young New Zealanders in I’arliament—as there are more out of it- hut youth is not everything, and the age limit should certainly ho eliminated from the name of the party. As to “New Zealand", it is not dear, whether this portion of the title restrict the eligibles to New Zealanders only. If it does, the objection i.s as great, if not greater, than to the age limit implied in the title. The average New Zealander growing up does not take much interest in Dominion or other politics, and we doubt if the party can look for useful recruits from the rank and file to fill the future. The new party would do better to associate itself with some existing party approximating its ideals. If they are radical after the mind of Mr Hanan, we should say association with the Lil>ernls would suit them best. This is a party with an open door policy, not restricted to any creed or nation. The Lilierals have a fine record of legitimate work done for New Zealand, and if young New Zealand would study the past political .history of the Dominion, they would soon find where the chief political motive power was to push the counry forward in a steadily progressive way. New Zealand needs a return to th halcyon political days when the Liberals reigned and seenritv was afforded all, fair legislat ion and administration meeting the needs of the many. The new party is as yet nebulous, hut it gives hope of an awakening spirit and interest in things political, and that at least i.s something to he thankful for. There are some active politictimes ahead, and the change will be good for the country.