The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the "West Coast Times. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1927. MAINLY POLITICAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 April 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the "West Coast Times. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1927. MAINLY POLITICAL.

Tub suggestions for tlie revival of Liberalism iu this country are being received with poor cordiality in some quarters. Some of the Reform organs, u'o note, are disposed to rather ridicule the possibility of a revival being brought about. Yet, these things occur in politics. Revivals have happened in this country before, to go no further. At the same time it is clear from the indications of the latest voting at Home that the Liberal cause is gaining more .strength there than any other party. As far as concerns Liberalism in New Zealand, a revival cannot do the country any harm. The record of the Liberal Party is one to he proud of. There was a combination of circumstances to account for the decline of Liberalism, and another swing of the pendulum might just as casify create a fresh set of circumstances to account for the revival. And the need for it ? Just that the Government is not living up to its promises? This is perhaps air old com plaint, but it. too recurs. Tn the present instance. Reform had too large a majority at the polls to lie good for its own political salvation, or that of the country. It was placed so securely in office, that there need he no haste about discharging all the promises made from the hustings and on which the Coates’ wave carried the day. Reform has grown lazy, and its policy has been postponed—put off in such a way as to cause an aggravation of circumstances because of the neglect. The Liberals, if they went into power tomorrow, could achieve a great deal if they put into action the policy Mr Coates promised the country. It is to he said, then that the Prime Minister is neglecting his duty? That is the chief complaint against him—the delay in putting in motion a policy which was to create confidence in the country. There are depressed times

just now as proof ilia! Mr Conics has mil achieved the. objective he set himself. There is something ivnm ; "ilh the land policy as his Minister of Lands has made plain. Mr McLeod should he able to put his finger on the cause. Rut if he is, he is not Inking steps to retrieve the position. Industries are backward, and the timber industry in particular is stagnant. Vet, Uotbilig is done to retrieve Ihe .situation though Ministers must tie painfully aware of the situation. Finance is tight, obviously so. for numerous works authorised by Parliament are held up for want of funds. C uniiirr- <• ia 1 men complain of heavy and unfair taxation, and nought is done. The labour market is glutted for lack of employment due to the general financial plight of the country, 'fhe Prime Minister has been track long enough now to make a public statement oil the financial situation, hut nothing is

said. Deputations waiting on Ministers are invariably told of the country’s difliciili ins. lull nothing remedial is done or oifend. The Government 1 , if il has not. actually fallen fr nn grace, has lost much general unlit ical support. !t is for the Ptrme Minister to set about making good, otherwise there will lie more necessity than ever f r Liberalism to come to the front. Tn any ease a good leaven of Liberalism will lie helpful. In that respect, Mr

Coates missed a groat opportunity when it offered in not deciding entirely for a truly national party. It would appear he needs more calibre among his lieutenants. He wants better advice and better leadership for some of the more important departments, and it does not appear lie has been able to secure them from the rank of his own party. This talk of Liberal revival might, do some service in stirring up Reform to more decisive action, and to the carry in*!; out of a general programme of administration which has been endorsed by the people. It is too soon to condemn Mr Coates, but it is not too soon for the Prime Minister setting alwnit the big job he has in hand, and so retrieving the situation before another appeal to the people comes along. i