FACING THE FACTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1925, Page 4

FACING THE FACTS.

THE BOI.L'UCA I. SITFATIUX. (Lyttelton “Times”) Bolitieal discussion during the last few days has been concerned ehielly, of course, with pcisonalities, because there are various aspirants to the leadership of the Reform Baity, which carries with it temporarily the post ol Brime .Minister. But while the politicians may he talking of persons, the people in general arc assuredly not thinking of individuals. From the public point of view the important question is 11i.t whether Air Dowiiie Stewart or Air ('oaten or Air Al'l.eoil is to he the next Brime .Minister. It is whether advantage is or is not to he taken of the i resent opportunity to unite in one party all men of Liberal leanings, and sane, progressive ideas. Two dillicullie.N present themselves, the lirst being the political ambitions of individuals ami the M'.oiul being the hope, or the belief held l.y both Reformers and Liberals that the next appeal to the constiiuencies will give them n working majority. The Reformers, doubtless, argue that under a new lender, w ith a new pn gramme, they will he ahlo to strengthen their position in the country, and in Barliament. while the Liberals believe that the ae-(ox.-iun , f votes that came t o then) at ilia last elections will he ci nlinued and increased this year. These considerations. however, are really of seciuidaiy imp irtai.te. No student of affairs really thinks that any one party can secure a working majority under presentconditions. In less critical times no L'l'oai harm would he dime by permitting the triangular contest to pro; eed. lmt it must he obvious to everyone that the drift, of the la.sl few years has not been for the good of the Dominion. We need a Government secure enough and

stroiig enough to carry out a firm nuliey on Liberal lines, to put the iinanees of the Dominion in order by the exercise in the lirst, place, of rigid economy in administration, and to tree industry and (simmer, e from the restrict mis that have been imposed on them. The movement for union ought to < onie from within the parties, hut if the party leaders do not take the initiative the public must take a hand. Ihe feeling in favour of union is universal.