The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1930. POLITICAL POSITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1930. POLITICAL POSITION.

1 here is a good deal of political activity on the part of the parties in the Dominion just at present, although the session is some four months away. The La Dour Party met this week, as also did the United Party, while Mr Coates, leader of the Re orm Party, is on the wing a.nd as l moating supporters at various points. The Labour Party in some provinces is busy selecting candidates, even though in the ordinary way a, general election will not he clue till the end of 1931. It ,is felt, evidently, that the political situation is in a precarious position, due to the numerical equality of the parties, Labour has shown its attachment to the United in preference to Reform, and has made it plain that Sir Joseph Ward’s Party will not be deposed to make room again for Reform. The complex of affairs might be difficult if the way were clear for Labour to be called to office, but in that event the onus would lie on Reform to assist in defeating the Government. 'This seasaw situation makes the position so uncertain, and consequently so interesting, calling lor alertness and to he ready for possible eventualities. It is because of this, no doubt, that the parties arc organising their forces and preparing lor an election, ho it sooner or later S r Joseph Ward, to the great deligld of all, appears to be making a very happy recovery, and there are prospects of the present Prime Minister representing the Dominion at the year's Imperial -Oaiiforcmeo. Such a happy issue would bo a triumph indeed for Sir Joseph Ward, and it is to he hoped it will bo possible. Tf that ovoid comes to pass, the session may he a comparatively short one, though probably that could be only by consent and arrangement with the other parlies in Parliament. The date of the next session has lwen indicated as at tli* usual time in June, and Ministers will require now to lie busy with proposed legislation. Some important work oath lor attention this session. The report of the Education Committee and complementary legislation alone, will oeeiniy a good deal of time. Matters affecting transport law are to he rove wed also. Public health matters i .’ll come up for consideration. The

overshadowing subject of unemployment will be with Parliament, and will lie dealt with under various heads, hut specially in regard to economic interests and in respect to the Public Works policy. That polity will he governed •iv finance. The year which closes next month, promises to yield a surplus, ,-ut tliat will not be adequate enough to meet Du .union requirements lor public works, and more borrowing will be inevitable unless the money marke is altogether adverse. There will thus be ample work for Parliament to do, and if the health of the Prime Minister is what the people all desire, Sir Joseph will be aide to handle the colonial situation ip a way which will give satisfaction to- Parliament and avoid the possibility of any appeal to the country. It is clear that Sir Joseph is taking a very close interest in affairs. This is evidenced by his watchfulness in regard to developments in Samoa, whereon much will he said in Parliament no doubt, but on this subject the policy of the Uniteds and Refonm is in line, and any attack Labour may make is most likely' to he repulsed. Taken altogether, it is a rather promising prospect which is opening for Sir Joseph’s recovery would mean the dispersal of any clouds oi doubt h.v the bright sunshine which would settle on political prospects.