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Hokitika Guardian, 5 September 1929, Page 4

The Federal Government of Australia is in deep water politically but lias an able and determined leader in Mr Bruce, and the country will not be too ready to dispense with his services, seeing that a capable successor to replace him would be hard to select. Mr Bruce has fallen out with some of his supporters in regard to policy measures, mainly affecting the repeal of the arbitrative law, but it is manifest the Prime Minister must, rule in such matters, for the tail may not wag the dog. Australia, of course, is much over-governed. There is the Federal Parliament now established at such great cost in the new Capital. In addition there are all the State Parliaments with all the essential housing and machinery to carry on effective government. Naturally there are jealousies and flashings, but aTi the time the people of Australia have to pns\ Nor does the system of government become any cheaper. Costs have mounted, but it is a question if the level of value has risen correspondingly. There has been a clash between the Federal and State systems as regards Arbitration. Despite the lawful courts of both the States and the Federation, strikes in open revolt against the decisions of the Arbitration Courts are rife always, and it would be difficult to state a time when Australia was not without a strike, which means invariably that the award of the court has not satisfied the worker. In such circumstances there is on the face of it a good deal of wisdom in Mr Bruce dropping an expensive court which functions only indifferently and at the best in a one-sided way in that —e decisions are not respected by both sides. Mr Bruce is determined about his course of action, and he appears to have his back to the wall. There is a suggestion of the “Snowden Touch” in his determination to have his way, or let someone else attempt to carry on. His attitude, however, is really typical of the man. who is strongwand in some respects silent. He is not verbose, but he has a good sense of proportion, and at the moment is at that stage when his yet must yea, and in point of fact as leader he must lead in his own set wav.