The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MAY 25th, 1925. POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 May 1925, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MAY 25th, 1925. POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS.

L’oi.itu'ai, developments may he expected to follow the Reform caucus on Wednesday. The meeting of the party will afford the opportunity for a full discussion of the situation, and this seems to Ik? necessary even before the new leader is selected. The choice of a leader would Is? governed, necessarily, by the line of policy to be followed. This in turn would lie governed also by the. disposal of the party towards fusion pssibilities. But* it does not appear likely that fusion will he immediate. In that ease a general policy must he outlined if the new leader is to meet the Hou.se with any confidence. The appointment of a new leader means a fresh Prime Minister who must constitute a Ministry. The personnel of the Cabinet will doubtless be largely as at present, but the Ministry cannot meet Parliament, and enjoy the confidence of the House pinless it has a

clear cut policy. That policy has to merit the support of the Liberals it the new party is to bold out the remainder of the present term. It is generally believed that Parliament as constituted at present will run its course well up to tie ordinary time lor a general election, providing nothing untoward lia'piH-us. I’d avoid the unexpected the new Prime Minister must he moderate, yet displaying .sullieient progress to hold the support <>l those pledged to a progressive platform. The session will lie barren ot any sharp police divisions, ot that we may be sure, hut while general polities will he addressed circumspectly, there is the question of tinan.e, which no matter what party is in power. 1:111 hardly he avoided. Here careful administration V. ill I e required, and the possible devolp.uucnts. are such that the very best brain- in tbe country should be advising on (lie su'je l. It is .1 matter for verv great regret that the present Parliament has shown a great weakness where financial criticism wr.s called for. The new Prime Minister has the most ditlieull task before him in tdln: ating the portfolio of Finaire, an.! it will lie some test of his resolve towards redeeming the position of the Dominion t. > see how he will deride. It is uossil.le that, to lull'd the important oilier referred to. a surprise may Ise in store for the tomury. Sir Heaton Rhodes base stated tie is prepared to place himself in tile bands of the new leader, and this oiler il availed of would give the opportunity to select someone outside the present Cabinet as Minister of Finance. It is a [sissibility which cannot- lie ignored at tills juncture, for it gives an opening for the lirst step in a coalition movement which might lie made more complete as the session progresses, if the policy of the (iuvernuient proves to be liberal and progressive. The feeling throughout the Country seems to be so unanimous that with the general outlook such as it is, a coalition should not lie such a remote possibility. Ibe caucus on Wednesday might agree to leave the matter in the hands ot the leader it. will select, and if the responsibility for action is thrown on th new Premier it seems to be inevitable that the chance to explore possible grounds for a fusion will not be ignored. The moment that step is taken it appears likely that political develop meats will come quickly.