The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 1930. A BID FOR OFFICE.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 1930. A BID FOR OFFICE.

The statement sent out from Westport this week by the leader of the Labour Parly, reads like a bid for office. .11 h was in tended to draw either of the opposing parties, the effort has failed, lor the statement has not evoked any recognition from quarters of influence. On the contrary we notice a section ol the press discount tiie possibility of babour reaching office at this jun. Lme lor the reason that it is not the official Opposition I Air Holland appears to have gone hack on earlier statements when he imlicaicd .something of an affection for the l iiiteds, in order that Reform may not return to offi c. Mis rank and file we-re very much disposed to re-echo their leader’s sentiments on possibilities. But of late, not only jir Holland, but also some of his rank and file, are changing their lone, and speaking aggressively with regard to the Government. It would appear ihpl (no lino of criticism adopted is rather precious. Air Holland might wait fur the result of the Cn-

emial year before heaping condemnation on the Government. Tt is not unlikely Hint the lb imo Minister, who is also A! mister of Finance, will be able Li reveal a balance sheet of the nation’s aecounis which will lie to TTie credit of the present administration. Alter all. linn nee is the crux of good admiui'd raliou, for on it depends the lile-hlood of the nation. It lifts been

contended in these columns, that in b.ir Joseph Want there is the most capable director ol the national purse, and the desiie was expressed over anu over again wnem j.naiwcs were uniting ui.Uer juclurm, Lliat S.r Joseph

niigiit nave tile to ret. . v ,e the pOiitmn. xr-o nas had Linn opportunity, and despite the fact ol world depression lutaing too staple products of the country, and max.iig ms taste so much more difficult, tJie.c is reason to -ociieve re.uuus will justify expectations of his great financial ability. laon time aciiilevemcut is

I.eio.e tilt’ tOulßiy lc Will 1.0 XOull enough lor .Mr Holland to clamour im oii.ee. ~s regards mo credentials of Labour in a political sense, ns re oru

a pioinolor 01 industrial peace or social unity is not impressive. bevera. members ol the l.m.our organisation are having a great deal to say about cue ciiie of unemployment, but it is questionable it m uttue they could do as mtie* ll as the present- Government is doing. At .1.1.01110 and in Australia who. e Labour r ovei nmeius rule, unemployment is not being cured, for it is suli increasing and adding enormously to the I .-uracil of the nation’s e.xpemti«.uie It is not possible to iiorrow with advantage now as Air Scull in has discovered for public works to meet unemployment * Air 'Holland would be prerented with' a like impasse, and could only attempt extreme socialist.c ideals to meet, me situation to better advantage. Acts of that kind would react in. unexpected ways, and Air Holland would .only find Jiis difficulties increased Labour began very well by giving: the'tinted Party a measure of leasohable Mippdrt, and if. the year’s finances turn out as they promise to do, Labour wofild be wise" to continue that degree of support. Labour is definitely opposed to Reform; if former expressions of views arc to be believed, and to oppose the United Government, is either to give' the official Opposition tiie first right to office or precipitate a general election which tire country does tot want and 'which would rebound to .he discredit of these responsible. Mi Tolland’s time for office is not yet, and he is not going to hasten that time •y cieating a political crisis at this nocture, 'i here is no evidence of malMministration to justify any sudden i-t tempt to oust the Government, while its present term of office operates.