THE CAMPAIGN DISCUSSED

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1928, Page 5

THE CAMPAIGN DISCUSSED

(By Telegraph.—Special to Guardian)

WELLINGTON, November 10, THE THIRD PARTY.

Neither the Reform Party nor the Labour Party lias displayed any particular gratification at the appearance of the United Party in the political arena under the guidance of Sir Joseph Ward.

While the leadership of the new party remained in abeyance if attracted little attention from either of the older organisations. It seemed likely to affect neither of them materially. Jn its new guise, however, it compels attention and invites criticism. That it- will oust the Government from ofliee or supplant the Labour Party on the Opposition benches is unlikely, bn' it will bring to the House, even if it

numbers no more than ten or tw. !■>•<■ members, a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm. "While it may be trusted to maintain its own identity, sucli it group will be of groat value to th<“ Government in dealing with non-party subjects and to the Opposition in giving effect to reforms with which successive parliaments have dallied (for a decade or more. A third party of the kind likely to congregate around Sir Joseph Ward, might prove indeed to lie of inestimable value to the Dominion. LABOUR AND WAR.

Mr Peter Fraser, understood to be Mr H. E. Holland’s first lieutenant in the direction of the affairs of the Labour Party was subjected to a very searching examination at one of his recent electioneering meetings concerning his attitude towards compulsory military training and service. He attempted to escape from an incjuiiy as to what Ids party would do in this respect should the Empire again be involved in a world war, by stating that it “ would be guided by the position existing at the time of its taking office.” Tin's naturally did not satisfy the audience, and .Mr Fraser was driven to admit that lie. was opposed to compulsory military training, as well as to commilsory service.

The former, be declared, was quite useless for war or other purposes, and the latter, if tolerated at all. should be accompanied by conscription of weal tli.

With this the inquiring audience had to he content

The incident illustrates the tendency of the Labour Party to leave its policy suspended in midair. As for the conscription of wealth, the taxtaion returns for the war period will show how rigorously this was enforced.

For the rest, tlie world is hoping very fervently that it is moving towards the milleninm of peace, hut that much-desired goal is still afar off and yet Mr Fraser and those of his colleagues who share his views on this subject, would imperil the security of the Empire for the purpose of making party capital and magnifying thenown importance. OFFICE FIRST—POLICY AFTERWARDS. If the Labour Party took the public more fullv into its confidence than it is doing during the present election campaign, it might accelerate its progress towards its desired goal—presum. ably the Treasury Honchos, dhe electors en masse are not so much impressed by the Utopia in the far distance as they are by the advantage near at hand. This is proverbial philosophy Mr Holland and his colleagues, however, would have the public strive a ter the Utopia without ever understanding how it might he attained. 'lbis is a common mistake among politicians all colours. . Mr Ball a nee succeeded where bn George Grey had failed, simply because he set- about doing practical tliim a practical way. Mr Seddon . where Mr Rallancc had sown, b> viitue of his candour, adaptability and robust commonsense. Sir William Russell was ineffective as a party leader by reason of his procrastination m framing a tangible policy, and Mr Massey escaped a similar fate only by boldly coll.uing ” the Liberal policy and administering it with consummate tact and ability. , . Surelv Mr Holland cannot have mulooked all these lessons of history. Whe has been Leader ot H.s • Opposition for three sessions <»i <>’ '• ment and so far has produced nc.the the rudiments of n l.m policy nor the outlines ol asomulhs-d Lie-. Appnrently with » v,sun, no more coin prehensile thou t hat « oU.cr dreamers, he would have the electd place him in office lu'slpolicy afterwards. At the moment the Dominion ca • afford to pledge its confidence in tins fashion. _____