THOUGHTS FOR THE TIMES.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 October 1929, Page 4

THOUGHTS FOR THE TIMES.

EXIT, MR BR-UCE. '; ; The reasons for the collapse of th® Nationalists and the defeiit of ilieir ,- s leader were largely anticipated in 1 ilia criticism to which Mr Bruce and his colleagues were constantly subjected: by : the Australiai Press Jonjg before' an appeal was made to the people. No ' doubt Mr Bruce'ift ;a,ljie public-spiriled and upright; but there it would seem that eulogy , miust end. He isappar- :■ ently not an attractive or sympathetic 5 personality; he cannot help producing the 'impression that, he is patronising ] his audiences; and he has/tfever been in touch with the rank aiid file of His own party, to say nothing of outsiders. This “stupid- alofness,” as the “Bulie- r tin” irreverently termed it, has undoubtedly helped to undermine,his per- ’ sonal prestige; and when a man who no longer appeals to the public ima- - gipation fails to control extravagance, '■ preaches cheery optimism. \yitliout. : any •- adequate basis, and obstinately endea- i votirs to force a distinctly unpopular-' programme upon tlie electors, hispoli--;, tical fate may be regarded as * even before the first ballot is h -,,, . , —Auckland Star. • ’ '