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Hokitika Guardian, 19 June 1929, Page 4

I'he South African Electi ;ns, whic-J in the earlier stages of the results looked promisingly lor the South African Party, ended decisively in favou; jf the Hortzog Government—the reigning party. 'Jhe Government has se cured its fresh grip of power by np pealing to the lacial prejudices of tilt Boers. It seems remarkable that such an outstanding Statesman as Genera Smuts proved himself to be—and himself a Boer —failed to appeal to tin political imagination of his people. Mi Smuts is Imperial in his line ol thought, and that many have pre judiced him, though his reputation wa. k enhanced so greatly by what he did tc settle Home Mule for Ireland. Certniny he has great political capacity and could have served South Africa and the Empire very faithfully. Ii the former term of office, Mr He it zap had to roly in part on Labor for his majority, but he seems to be independent of that party on this occasion. Labour did not fare too well at the polls, indicating that the third party in South African politics has not as yet made much progress. As the National Party, the Hertzog Party seeks for the segregation and isolation ol the natives, as the best means of dis posing of tlie white man’s burden in South Africa. That was one of the main issues of the contest, 'and the electors supported Mr Hortzog liecause of his policy in that respect. There was a time wlidh the party als' favoured “cutting the painter’’ with Britain, and there was the long struggle about the South African flag. These are matters which have been at rest for some time, and it remains to he seen whether with the strength of the Government at this juncture, the issues will not be raised again. South Africa is a vast territory with great potentialities, and politics will play a great part in its future. On that account there will ho some disquietude as to the general policy of the Government in respect to major questions of Empire interest. However, the trend of international affairs in other quarters may have an effect on the situation as a whole, and Mr Hertz/>g will bo shrewd enough to watch the course of events closely.