The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, MAY 20th, 1925.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1925, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, MAY 20th, 1925.

TIIK I’OI.ITK AI- Ml CATION'. luh [:,>1 1 1 ii ;iI si tmu ion allows mi signs nt (louring immediately. This is not healthy hr the fortunes id the party in P' ''er. It indicates an amount of disunion which is not in lire; mg with the hue traditions of the party. The plea for Air Coates as Prime Alinister has been urged very strongly from Aileklaint. but without ell'cet apparent-

ly. From tli.it quarter loittes now plea for a hyphenated Ministry, Stew at Monies or Coatcs-Stewart. Kvident ly Air Downie Stew art is favored most

ly by tiie party, but he is overseas and at best can be here hardly before the <qeniiig of Parliament. It is suggested in one quarter that Mr Coates is not pushing Ins claims. Apart from the modesty of such it.action, it is a very proper attitude to take tip, for whoever leads should have the wholehearted conlidome of those behind him. A Prime Alinister who has canvassed far

the position (aimot be a strong man, tor lie must be beholden to those from "bom he has solicited votes, and in that way would lose his independence. But some other Ministers are. it is alleged, keen for the leadership, and that accounts no doubt for the deadlock. Tin-re is the difficulty to choose with Mr Stewart away, and the uncertainty of hj,s health cure. But Reform is not altogether well otherwise. Mr Rolleston of Tinmru and Mr Lysnar, of the former parly strength, may not ally themselves longer, in fact, are not disposed to attend the party meetings. Votes too, were relied on from Messrs Bell, Witty and Isitt. and circumstances may now arise which might lose that support. Tin- situation thus grows perilous for Reform as the dominant party in the House. While things political are thus obscure for the moment, there is the natural expectation

that an election will ho hastened. But this would he first contingent on the House exhausting its ability to constitute a Ciovernniont. If liefonn is constituted at ]>rcsent finds itself unable to carry on, the new position might be met by the coalition so many are speaking of. Next to that the Lilseral.s are displaying confidenre in the possible outcome of events, and are said to be better prepared than any party for possible eventualities. The cause for this confidence is not assigned, hut there are reasons, no doubt, good and ample for the feeling. That is understandable. There is one aspect of the present situation, creditable to the l.iherals. and that is if Mr Massey's son is a candidate for the late seat of his father, the l.iherals will not he opposing the candidature. This is a practical endorsement of the sympathy expressed by Liberals on the demise of the late Mr Massey which is creditable to the Liberal party, and it will he counted to their ]xilitical sincerity when the opportunity for returning the good action is offering. Regarding the trend of events, it seems a necessity for Reform to take serious count of the position, and to reach a decision realising the force of circumstances as they are now shaping themselves. It is not for Reform or any party to hold office while in a plain minority. The meeting of the party should he hold without undue delay, and if on counting heads, it finds its majority gone, there is but one course to follow. If it fails in thataition it is talcing an unfair advantage of Parliament and the country ( at large. ,