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Hokitika Guardian, 3 April 1929, Page 4

As a sign of the political times, tlie bye-election for tlie Bay of Islands seat, set down for next Wednesday, is instructive Tlie re are two candidates as More, Air Bell and Air Rushwortli. At the general election the former stood as an ardent Reformer, and the latter as a representative of the Country Party. The'Uni ted Party did not have a candidate for the seat in November last, and is not putting up one on this occasion. Neither Air Bell nor Afr Rushwortli are opposing the AYard Alinistry. Indeed the latter lias promised to support the Government if elected, while Air Bell is pledged to support all legislation brought down by the* present Government which he deemed was in the ! interests of New Zealand and his electorate. TTe has indicated, also, as somethino of a ('aliens secret, that Air Coates is not likely to move a no-confidence motion in the Government during the life of the present Parliament—another two years and a-lutlf. It would appear, therefore. that the Government is in a very safe position, and there is no occasion 1,0 worry about the future member for the Bav of Islands seat, as that representative is likely to be behind the Gov-

eminent Party on any required occasion. This fact makes this contest a very interesting sign of the times, and ■draws how matters political are drifting. The country it was evident was an.-.ions for a political change, ami Sir •Joseph Ward, as leader, is filling the requirements 01 tiie country very proI misingly Mis (Government, despite the fact that tlic party is not a dominant one. is a stable one, and its future assured 'flic country desires to give him in opportunity to mould his policy, and [instituted as it is, there is not any (ear of the Mouse attempting to oust "hr Joseph. Such being the case, it s no; surprising that the candidates *r the Bay of Islands scat should not <e opposing the Mineral policy. Mr Kushworth openly supports the main plunks, and .Mr Bell gives generous support without going right over to the ther party. This is an unusual situation for a political contest, but the fact that the Prime Minister is not ictin * on the offensive in the ele.torate during the progress of the cainntngn. indicates plainly how he feels ibont the outcome whoever wins. The occasion is probably unique in the political history of the country—a Government in a numerical minority— not worrying about an extra vote when a contest is afoot! But though in a numerical minority in the T-louse, Sir Joseph can. and wc believe does, feel that lie lias the people behind him, and on that score may proceed with the progressive programme he has outlined.