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Hokitika Guardian, 10 January 1929, Page 4

Tifukk arc so many complexities about the political situation at Home that when the electors arc called on this year to decide as to the personnel of the new Parliament, it will he certainly too much to expect the voters to give a completely intelligent vote on the issues at stake. A new section of the community covering the so-called “flappers” of Great Britain are being enfranchised for the first time, and wid liavo the power and privilege of making a new Government if so determined. The industrial issue is the all disturbing problem for the British Parliament. Tt is the subject engaging the attention of the statesmen the most. When the general election occurs, the inevitable pressure of tile fiscal system 'wnn its reactions upon British trade, will he the outstanding issue. And this defying proidem of the best minds of Britain Is to lie the subject on which the electors must mainly cast their votes. Which ever party is returned to power, it will perforce he obliged to concentrate its energies upon the para-

mount need of such reconstruction of the fiscal system as shall assist in restoring British trade to its proper position in the world markets. At tlio present, artificial means or aids are being used to remedy the situation. The Government is attempting a “demiting” system to relieve industry of local taxation. There is also the “safeguarding” of industries, and there are also projxisals for centralisation or “rationalisation.” This latter is a mater of lessening production costs and (increasing industrial output. A revival of British trade is essential. The Conservatives have tried in vain so far to bring it about. No one can deny tli-oir honesty of purpose or effort, and the genuine diameter of the attempt, but tilings arc not coming right. The Labour element believes it will be its mission to right the’’situation, but the socialistic leanings of tlio party will deter many voters from running the risk of an experiment which might Ik all too costly. So wc have the Liberals remaining. It is quite on the cards that political history will repeat itself at Home as it did here, and the Liberals again be called to power. Even shoud the voting not go quite that far, it seems prohablo indeed that the Liberals will bold the balance of power in Parliament and bo abl o to sway the situation according to its traits. Tile coming general election therefore promises to be history making. It will be the most momentous event of the year for Great Britain for the destiny of the country is wrapped up in the result. On such an occasion therefore, it is of the highest importance to see the greatest wisdom exercised in the choice of representatives.