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Hokitika Guardian, 6 July 1927, Page 2

tilK political quidnuncs lire finding it interesting enough to quote freely with regard to the show of independence among some of the Deform members. ■ Those concerned are Alessrs Glenn (the retired Whip), Harris and Patter. These are all North Island members—whence Reform draws its main strength. The three members referred to have been more or less staunch supporters of tin 1 Government all along, and it would II it appear a great deal of significance is to he attached to their non-attendance at caucus meetings. The main filet is that they witi vote straight on test questions where tile late of the Government is concerned and on that account Air Coates will n it he feeling at all uneasy about the outlook. The Government is very strong—too strong perhaps for the best results politically. At the same time, we must remember Parliament is now in the business session of its three years’ term, and something tangible sh add lie done to justify the great nia.ioritv the Government enjoys. 'I hat “something” entails honouring the election pledges regarding which so much was broadcasted when the fight was at the thickest. The Government is quite safe thanks to the definite pledges it lias, to go through the remainder rf the term unharmed h.v its political foes. In any ease the Opposition is not numerically strong enough to challenge the right of the Afinistrv to the Treasury benches, so that any change in that quarter cannot come from the House as at present elected, hut may come only from the people at next general election. If the Government party is to l>e blamed for lack of action at this stage, some share of the blame must l>e apportioned also to the Opposition. Its share of the discussions so far has not been verv constructive. In the main the critics are content to stress the negative side to the Government policy discussed, and that attitude does not he'p very much for any real accomplishment. Probably such rift as there may be in the Reform “Party will he more helpful tjian anything to assist in correct-

ing defects in tlie policy. The possibility of a change over will instill into the minds of the .Ministers greater caution, and that in itself will be something. Incidentally, it would appear Ministers are not as talkative as in recent times. There .are evidences of a curbing which while good for the Party will certainly be good for the country.