The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER. 20, 1928. AN INTERESTING DECLARATION

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER. 20, 1928. AN INTERESTING DECLARATION

' The developments which have taken place this week in the fortunes of the I United Party in politics has served to | set the pens of the political writers I going. The United Party has been so * long in embryo that opponents took j pleasure in joking about its possible , mission. Now that a definite move i lias been disclosed by the selection of i a leader and deputy leaders for both 1 Islands, and something of the inherent 1 strength of the organisation has been 1 disclosed, those whoso duty it is to observe the swing of the political pendulum are sitting up and taking notice, and there is much qualification about the remarks uttered and the jibes in particular are less noticeable ns to the aim and object of the organisation. Sir Joseph Ward, in his impromptu speech in accepting the leadership, made a very interesting declaration with regard to the general political outlook. Ho began by recognising something of the difficulties of the situation. It would be idle for them to think, he said, that after what had lieen a most successful conference, they could go back to their respective districts with the feeling that everything would run smoothly. That was not so. Ho therefore, urged them that, whatever difficulties might arise, they should treat their opponents fairly and honourably. Sir Joseph Ward said that if the United Party came into power, it had got to affirm—and to act up to—certain principles which, he was sure would commend themselves to all of those present, and likewise to the bulk of the people of New Zealand He wanted to see a policy adopted which would not only be for the good of the country as a whole hut which could be carried out without injuring any section of the business community, or the farmers or the workers. This declaration recalls to mind the homogeneous policy of the Liberals, in which Sir Joseph as an active participant as Minister and ultimately leader, took a prominent hand. There is not any question as to the value of the former Liberal policy for the fanner and the worker, nor of the value and use derived by all sections of the business community from the progressive acts which marked the Liberal legislation. In particular, there was the financial security attained and the courage with which each situation was tackled. Let us recall that in time of emergency, Sir Joseph Ward was not afraid to tackle a retrenchment policy rather than permit the country to drift financially. He paid the penalty for the course of action in due course by being put out of office, but the country reaped the advantage of his foresight in tackling a situation with logical firmness and treating all alike. Whnt was an apparent failure in his political career in regard to the ] piatter referred to, is torda.y regarded .

as one of the virtues in his career, justifying a very representative gathering of public men now calling on Sir Joseph to again assist in directing the affairs of State from a more, elevated and influential position in Parliament. Tho amount of goodwill and support behind the leader of the United Party is only now being realised by the coun try Uu large. The conference which selected him was a notable one in many ways. It was a union of forces anxious for the security of sane Government, and seeking to bar the entry into power of such a reactionary and extravagant party as the Labour side of the House has given evidence of since becoming the Official Opposition. It was perhaps a, happy circumstance that the Labour Party has had this trial run in semi-responsibility, for tile, occasion has served to enlighten the public as to the extravagant lengths the party is prepared to go in so many matters. The United Party will bo in uncompromising opposition to the Labour Party, so that there will be a clear cut issue in that respect. For the rest, the United Party stands for good and sound government with equal rights for all, which is the foundation of all good government in any country.