The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1925. ELECTION PROSPECIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 October 1925, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1925. ELECTION PROSPECIS.

Tin: elections throughout Non Zealand are now ill lull .swing, and there i.s much spe. Illation us to probable results. Nominations close early next week, hut in most eleclm ales tie' candidates are set definitely, and have been conducting their cam-

paigns tor some time. In connection with the contest as a "hole, the national aspect eoines to the forefront as the essential matter ol the issue. There is on the one hand those ol extreme views and attitude who lavor

or countenance disrupting tactics in industry, if not. in constitutional procedure. On the other hand there are those opposed to these communistic forces. The latter are divided into ditfering political parties, hut for some time there has I icon the desire lor a combination of forces, to fight, as was said at Araliura the other evening, “the common enemy.’’ This feeling has been extant in New Zealand to some time. The lesson of Inst general election made it plain that in national interests there should he some combination of forces opposed to extreme Labor attaining political power to meet the situation caused by vote splitting at the polls. Leading men in the various parties concerned ad-

mented some necessary arrangement, and the death of Mr Massey opened the way to definite action. The liberals took that step, and it wee endorsed very generally hy the press of New Zealand. Sir Joseph Ward, speaking at Invercargill this week, crystallised public opinion when he remarked tlmt “die undoubted tendency everywhere was to neutralise tho Socialistic vote hy a union of the forces of constitutionalism, law and order.” That is the position in a nut shell, ami the liberals arc to be commended for being the first to come out boldly in the open, and placing

country first, seek to so reorganise l the politi al situation that on pollin' day there would be a definite line of demarcation restricting the hroad na-

tional issue l , .which is ready at stake. The efforts at fusion failed not for any lack of generous support hy the Liberals, but rather hy the stand of some of the Uefonn leaders (amongst whom the l'rime Mini,-to: cannot lie classed) "ho had pledges to Befurm candidates which they did not feel disposed to revise. But though actual fusion failed, it is in the minds ot the people, and many of tho contests in the Dominion will be decided on that issue. There are many straight-out fusioni.-ts standing, both Heform and Liberal, and their cause is the popular one, and their ele.tion is most probable. We take it that on the whole those favoring the national cause straight out will be returned in tho aggregate hy a sub*tial majority. Mr Coates will retain the leadership, and there will be m question on that score. With the following behind him he will he given a mandate which will assure national interests as superior to any possible effort on the part of the extremito attempt anything destined to undermine the safety and security of the country as part of the British Eos pire. Mr Coates will he in a position he will he able to till admirable, and

on that account the election prospects may be regarded with a good deal of satisfaction at this stage. The polling will no doubt reveal not a tew changes, radical and otherwise. General elections produce always a Crop of surprises. The unexpected has a way of happening, even at election times though plans may he well laid and organisation be perfect. In this election more than in any other there is a special trust to be reposed in the people. It is for them to de-

tide between the forces lit variance. They are to choose their own nation;'! destiny and to determine their course of industrial progress during the i ext three years. I hey are to mane a selection as between those wtio liehe.c m upholding the law and seeing it fairly discharged, or placing those in charge ot ti.c country, who will .support the striking element bent ever on breaking solemn agreements, and turning the country into useless turmoil by dislocating industry anti holding up trade. U here is the country

to head on .November Ith., towards loyalty to itself in maintaining law and order effectively, or to disloyalty iu itself where a rabble may lead ant. paralyse the whole countryside witli a strike on any inconsequential cause !