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Hokitika Guardian, 1 June 1929, Page 4

('he tumult and tho sshouting of the British elections are now dying down, and millions of people arc ever so much wiser than they were. The optimism of the three parties was justified onlj in the case of one, for one only could win, and, the winner at the time of writing appears to lie Labour. “ Give Labour a chance,” said Mr Ramsay M acDouald. “ I and my colleagues wisli to take up the- work where we had to leave it in 1924. We wish to deal with unemployment, develop national resources, and establish peace here and throughout the world.” It will be recalled that Labour climbed into office at the 1923 elections, when the figures were:—Conservatives 259, Labour 191, Liberals 159. The Liberals supported Labour if or a time, hut the following year withdrew their support and as a result of tho appeal to the country the Conservatives went hack to office with a majority of 211 in a full House. A very great responsibility will fall on Labour on entering upon office. Mr MacDonald touches on three subjects above, each of which is in itself an overburdening task on

the face of things. In tho present contest, one tiling at least is sure, the Liberals have fought their Waterloo. Air Lloyd George appears to he politically eclipsed, for only a remnant iff the party remains. Its future will he cloudy, indeed, unless Labour fails miserably in office, when the Liberals might become as of vore., the alternative to Conservative rule, ft must not bo considered the defeat of the Liberals is a personal blast against the leader. Ilis national services are too memorable to believe that. Rather would it appear that the nation was growing tired of the Conservatives and desired a change, and ifor the time being Labour is in favour. Tn making such a change there is always an element of risk. The Conservatives we know as a safe party. Labour is disposed all the world over to be socially experimental, and the dangers of their rule have been made manifest in many quarters. At tile moment there are unique opportunities ifor a domestic policy, and it was not in that relation to poli' ieal development that Ibe Conservatives have been usually at their best. But- Labour must ah> deal with lart.ee international issues.

European affairs and reparations call lor immediate niton tinu and there are the renewal of relations with Russia. It will be interesting to see whether l.abour will repudiate the Balfour Nolo and all that it implies, and then there are I In- Eranco-British relations to be considered. All these mailers call for earnest and delicate treatment, requiring the best diplomacy. There are some sane lenders with the Labour, and it remains to be seen bow far their wishes prevail. For the rest,

iinil Unit means a very great (leal, meat lirilain lias made her momentous choice and the future for the time being is in the lap of the gods, .n----\olwng many changes.