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Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1928, Page 4

Till’, defeat of the Reform Government, lhoug.il it was very decisive, and in a. great measure, unexpected by the quidnuncs, yet served to emphasise that in politics, the public viewpoint is invariably changing. The party had a long innings. At the outset there was a measure of luck in Mr Massey’s early ability to hold Parliament. Rut for the war intervening it is doubtful if Reform could have survived its first three years of office. .Mr Massey wa adaptable. He felt his way step by step, and with the prosperous time; was able to build up a good record, his successor fell on less prosperous; days, but at first had a golden opportunity with a party of 53 out of SO. The pinch of hard times tried the Coates government, which showed a lack of initiative, and lost cast by the meddling with enterprises. The celebrated “ 1028 Committee ” was initiated by business men to advise the Government, and though in touch with (he Prime Minister, the latter tailed to realise the import of the Committee’s task, and a useful ouportunity to revise the public administration was neglected, probably, too, a measure of discredit fell on Mr Coates for his handling of the licensing question. He certainly tried to carry out his pledges, but lie went about it in a crude manner, not having the sir pari even of his Cabinet colleagues. There were electorates where this issue controlled a good number of votes, and the Government candidates kulfered fur the faults of their leader. But I hough defeated, Reform has not bed disgraced. It has had an honouraVF {•areel’ in the public service. Mr Coates was a young l’rimo Minister, and he has lime lu “come again.’ He improved as time went on as a. leader, and no one can cavil at any lack ol interest or enterprise in the way he fought tlm battle for his parlv up and down I h<‘ country. Mr Coates lias qualities which mark him out, for fullin' siicccscs. 1 f< * has thu support and confidence ol the Reform Party as a,! present constituted. When the heat of i lie recent battle dies down, and the prieipals take count ol he situation, and w hat is demanded of them in I lie public interests, there will he occasion lu revise and perhaps reconcile polili <al pint forms. 11 has been said Reform espouses a liberal policy. ’I here will he an opportunity now to bring it into line with (lie Liberal pari.v. Some concession must conn' from Reform if there is 1o be a measure of fiisii n, became Reform is for tlie time being eclipsed. Now is the chance lor national statesmanship to bring tlie two parties together. Labour invites this to Ik; done, and it is well that it is so. for on fundamental grounds both Liberal and Reform must he opposed to the Socialist trend of Labour. The defeat of Reform has caused the opportunity fo'- fusion to come to miss if the leaders of the parties will give serious consideration to the question. This accomplished and the crux of the noli Ural problem of the late General Election would he reached.