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Hokitika Guardian, 8 December 1928, Page 4

'run first act in the political drama cvntuated a.s was expected—the United and Labour parties by a temporary union of forces, defeated the Reform Government by 30 to 23. At the time of writing it’ may be expected that Sir Joseph Word will in* called on to form a .Ministry and thereafter enunciate bis policy. Si far he has indicated personally what ho is anxious to do immediately. Me lias stated his proposals with a good deal of conlid.uko and with the spirit of a young man. He is ready to be up and dome to combat unemployment by providin'/, wold' or undertakings which the country is committed to nationally. So far so pood. With the formation, of a .Ministry, in repaid to any policx brought down. Im would naturally have to consult his Cabinet. Then? will then be several minds instead of one. It is being assumed that Sir .Joseph will not have any difiienlty in selecting i* i s .Ministerial colleagues. All the staunch Liberals in Parliament with experience are likely to be selected, and Ibe balance of the team will be made from new men to Parliament, though ■vidently men of ability in their ordinary ranks in life. At the same time we return to the basic fact that the Initcds so far number about 33 in a House of 79 effective voters. With tne formation of the .Ministry and tk* production of a policy, Sir Joseph Ward has to be assured that the former and the latter alike will be acceptable to the House. In other words, the position now is that the situation is governed by the J/ibour party, on whose behalf it has been indicated the new Government will he supported so long as its measures confirm with the demand of Labour. It remains to be seen bow long this situation can be tolerable to the new leader. If he has a policy which he believes to be in beeping with the needs of the country, he might elect to go to the people again with verv little dclav to decide the issue. Meanwhile there may be wheels within wheels. It is common report Unit a fresh general election "ill not be welcomed, and rather than lace that contingency Sir Joseph may draw such a measure' of support from i'dorm ranks as would ensure his independence of the Labour party. This is obviously tli<* better move for the country and should he counselled by all who have influence in the political situation. It is very clear that the country voted out Reform almost by two to one, hut that, swing of fho pendulum ne ( >d nol he final. There is a wing within Reform which favors the Liberal policy, and recruits from that puartcr would lie the most satisfactory solution of the present political problem. The party served Reform as long as it could -now its chief duly is to the country as a wholt