The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 1928. WHAT OF THE POLITICAL FUTURE.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 1928. WHAT OF THE POLITICAL FUTURE.

The quidnuncs arc busy probing the probable political future, while the leaders arc on the wing addressing gatherings as they go. The political outlook, however, remains more or less cloudy because of the mystery surrounding the aims and ambitions of the so-called United Party. Reports have been going out of the strength of the new party, which in the main is a fusion of those of Liberal leanings and Reform supporters not pleased with the trend of the 'Government policy. Still, despite tho appointment of organisers and other evidences of activities which must be involving considerable expenditure, the party Is leader leas and its policy unknown. Reform, however, lias had something to say about a revised policy, while Labour has been advancing a much revised policy. There are, however, perils at the polls as the thought for the times indicates to-day, if the electors do not bestir themselves, and studying the general position and outlook, vote in the best interests of the country. There is iieril if the bulk of the electors fail to make up their mind for themselves, and not be content to be led by glib'speakers with ready promises which it will not l>e possible for any Government in the existing state of affairs of Dominion finance to fulfil. AVc are often told that the alternative to the present Government is a Labour Cabinet. If that is the accepted issue at stake then the electors might well con tho situation, and weighing the prospects see how far they would be justified in assisting Labour into office with a vote at the ballot box. There is enough matter before the averalge political student of today to measure the value of the Labour party not on its promises but on its performances in the past. The record of the Labour party in this country should be well-known to most electors, and particularly to the producers of the country. The people with a stake in the place, those who have carved out their homes, and are producing the wealth to keep the country going, surely know something of the record of Labour. Its political record may be gauged as pursuing two courses —either towards State control or to commercial rule. The man with any possessions, bo they great or small, will realiso there is some difference between the two objectives, but the main point to consider is having gained the seats of the mighty by the promise of only mild doses of State control, how far would the next step carry the country politically. There is, therefore, the danger of giving Labour any license at all, .for the liberty it would take might be more than the people counted upon. It was clear last election and previously that the Labour party had a policy of State control which amounted .as far as land was concerned, to confiscation.,- Under the “usehold proposal” a new and dangerous policy was propounded' and it was condemned to the uttermost. That condemnation was so severe that the policy lius now disappeared, or is camouflaged by a re-statement of the position. But there is no guarantee that once in power its pernicious principles will not be enforced by statute. There is occasion therefore to study possibilities in this regard and the elector with any stake in the country can afford to think hard on the point. As regards the disposition of tho Labour party to uphold law and order in emergency, the people entrusted with the privilege of selecting their representatives might also give some thought. There is an obvious proneness to encourage strikes, and the resistance of authority where there is the legitimate attempt to counter a strike. Probably the Labour leaders are careful in the terms they use to comment on those who seek to counter a. strike, but the Labour press is .not at all reserved, and in captions and opinions express themselves freely as indicating contempt for what is right. There may Ire occasion in the future,' and it would appear from the experience in Australia that Labour rule appeal's to encourage strikes. There is nothing which more disorganises and delays the prosperity of a country than a strike. It would be wise therefore to test the sincerity of. Labour attitude in regard to strikes, for this

country cannot afford to repeat some of the experiences of the past when strikes were rampant, and the Labour leaders did 1 not assist to allay the menace to the country.