The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 1926. THE NATIONAL PARTY.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 June 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 1926. THE NATIONAL PARTY.

The meeting of the National Tarty last week, when Mr Forbes was again chosen as leader, calls attention, says the “Lyttelton Times’’ to the diminished numbers, but shows, at the same time, that the party is far from being a spent force. " Time after time in the history of Parliaments it has been proved that an alert and tireless group of members, though exercising no groat- port in the division lobbies, has been a powerful influence in throwing light on dark places and in moderating the policy of a dominant majority. The very fact that Mr Coates has been placed in an unchallenged position, with an overwhelming majority behind him, makes the need for

increasing vigilance and effective criticism a greater .necessity than it would have been the ease had bis majority been smaller. Closely balanced parties in the House are in themselves an ■effective cheek on ill-considered or reactionary legislation, hut with that safeguard removed the National Parly owes a plain and unavoidable duty to the country ill supplying constructive criticism of all policy measures submilted by the Reform Government. The return oT Mr Wiilord, restored to health as is hoped by political friends ami foes alike, continues the paper would materially strengthen their critical powers, and whether Sir Joseph Ward decides to stand apart from the National Party or not, he cannot but be ill sympathy with them on the majority of political questions. With wide political experience and linaneial knowledge unequalled liv any other member in the House, liis criticism, of Government finance especially, can he expected to he searching and effective). Little as they may realise it, it is the outstanding noed of the Government itself. The apparent trend of their policy threatens to he alarmingly expensive. and in the interests of economy the National Party can exercise no small influence by placing the increasing cost of government plainly and convincingly before tlie people of the Dominion. In advocating measures to place our secondary industries on a more stable Basis, they will not only call public attention to what is insistently demanded for the welfare of the Dominion, but will also earn the thanks of many manufacturers engaged in a desperate uphill fight. The leader of the party, Mr Forbes, and other members can spcalc with firsthand knowledge of the problems of flic man on tbc land, and tlieir views on closer settlement cannot be ignored l>v the Government. Tlie attitude of tlie National Party in placing tbe questions of economy, secondary industries and land settlement as first in importance for flic country’s pros. pc-Hty is highly commendable, ami as the work of the session progresses opportunities will lie found for making their in (Incline felt on these and other matters, not only >hv stressing them before the House, but also by bringing them under tbe notice of tbe people of New Zealand.