The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1928. DOMINION POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 May 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1928. DOMINION POLITICS.

In summing up the state of political parties in New Zealand, an Australian writer considers there are no practical alternatives to Reform rule. In arriving at this conclusion, he reviews the political situation by remarking that the Liberals have lost the vision of John Ballaneo and, the political instinct of Richard John Seddon, and so wander aimlessly in their wildnerness. The Labourites, though they continue to improve their position, and as a Parliamentary party arc liecoining more mature and adroit, arc handicapped by the poor judgment of their leader, and have won no laurels in the role of Opposition. Since they hate tho Liberals far worse than they do the Tories, there is no prospect of an alliance. Small new parties crop up every now and again, and some of them may pot candidates on the hustings and attract a few votes, hut it will bo at the expense of the Liberals. Unless the Reform party splits, the Dominion, considers the writer, is not likely to change its leaders. AAliiln these views indicate a general knowledge. of the political situation in New Zealand, they do not tell the story quite up-to-date. “The small parties” referred to are fusing, and there is some evidence of tho split in Reform. It is these factors which are beginning to make tho political position more and more interesting. The United Party is growing in strength, and the acting leader, Mr George Forbes, has l>cen expressing some sensible views in a general review of the position as lie finds it, and we may take it that ho makes a very fair estimate of the situation. -Mr Forbes is not given to exaggeration or to special colouring, and ns he has been moving up and down the country of late, ho has bad the opportunity of judging tho political feeling. It is a fact that the United Party is receiving (reinforcements from tho ranks of Reform. This is so, both in supporters and candidates, and the intimate gatherings Air Forbes has been invited to attend, have given him an insight into the general trend of public feeling not usually vouchsafed at this stage to the world' at large. Tho United Party is so far lenderless, and is very nebulous. But we may be sure that both matters so essential to recognition, will have attention all in good time. Mr Forbes has indicated something oi the line of politics to which supporters will require to adhere, and at this juncture no exception can be taken to the broad outlines given. Mr Forbes is one of those who has lienefitted from tbe Liberal policy which created the success of Cheviot. It is not surprising to find him a warm adherent of an active land policy on the lines which were so successful at Cheviot- and elsewhere. After all, New Zealand is in need of a revivifying land policy not only to ensure more production to provide the wealth tho country needs for development, but also as. a means to settle more people and provide more occupation of a profitable nature, and in a way which will assist to spread tho debt of the country, and so reduce taxation and give the Dominion tho opportunity to make material progress. The Liberal record along the lines referred to, is outstanding. Under the Lands for Settlement policy and vigorous political programmes of the the provision of cheap money, “the vision and instinct” of the early leaders had full realisation. ■ Sir Joseph AVaird was a fo-remost actor in the vigorous political programmes of tho past, and lie is still in Parliament to assist in helping to .bring about a return to the halcyon days of real progress and prosperity, which the Liberal political regime brought to New Zealand. The Liberal party came into power at ,-a very opportune time when the country was languishing and unemployment and want were life. Tho party supplanted the Conservative Government under which the country had languished, and as history has tho facility for repeating itself something of the same nature in New Zealand politics may be again on the tapis. It is imperative for some happy issue to arrive, and through the medium of a real Liberal revival is the best hope.