The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1927. POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1927. POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

1 Tue announcement that the N’ationalI ist section of the Liberals has joined up with the new United Party which is in process of materialising, is an interesting political development. 'I he mystery at,out the personnel of the United Party is still well maintained, though it may be expected Mr Forties and his associates would hardly join a ghost of a party. The United Party is content to do its publicity through its organiser, and Mr Dtivey is not at all reticent excepting up to a certain point. Mr Davoy was supposed to he a well-feed member of the Reform party, and that he knows a good deal of the internal economy of the party is evidenced by his retort to the Minister of Lands. Were that controversy to proceed on the lines it is developing, some interesting revelations might result, but discretion should he the better form of valour. As to the step taken by the Nationalists, wo may anticipate that Mr Forbes would be specially concerned with the policy of the 'United Party. Some particulars of that have boon published, but no doubt Mr Forbes would confer as to important details, before deciding to link up. The step lie has taken will doubtless have its bearing on the general election next year, in that with the assistance of the Liberal section he represents, the United Party will receive ‘ a considerable accession ol voting strength than heretofore. One of the first matters for consideration is that of electoral reform. Jt would not ho wise for the country to enter upon a general election on “a first past the post” system. When the second ballot wa.s wiped out something was promised in substitution, but has not materialised yet. The time is now opportune to redeem the promise and provide some form of preference or transferable vote. Unless that is done before next general election, the ultimate result for the country might not be pleasing. There is also the aspect, to be considered whether the political differences lietween Reformers and Nationalists cannot he composed in such a way as to ensure a composite party such as materialised during the war period and accomplished so much good. Were that to come to pass, probably the most satisfactory political development of all would be achieved, for stabiltv would result,'and that does not obtain now, despite Reforms large majority in the House. Bound up with the whole is the question of leadership. It is Iveing complained that Mr Coates lias not the confidence of his party, but there are not any untoward and visible signs of that in Parliament —rather the contrary. There is no leader announced for the United Party, so that the nirst important phase of its political entity is left in doubt. What Mr Forbes has learned in that respect is also a mystery. Seeing that the Nationalists have now joined up, there is surely less occasion than ever to with-hold particulars of the new party. Indeed. it is unfair to snpporters to witli-hold the information. The fact that silence is being maintained is perhaps some evidence that all may not be- well, and that actually a political fishing excursion is still going on. Be that as it may, till the leadership question is settled there can he no real confiden«e in the party, and until it is announced probable political developments cannot reach a very embracing stage.