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Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1930, Page 4

The Parnell bye-election was notable for the very ,happy family it brought together. The probable result appeared to be anticipated largely, and the tnree candidates so comported themselves as not to strike any jarring note or leave any unpleasant memories after the fra\-. Consequently at the declaration of the poll there was general admiration expressed all round as to the conduct of the election and to the hot unhappy result. The result was that Reform regained a city seat which had long been a cherished possession. A very popular candidate locally was put forward in the interests of the party, and despite,the heavy artillery brought into the fray it was not possible to.- dislodge, Reform from its stronghold, Mr Enclean was hot successful in gaining a dear majority over his c;pbouenjb.] . Labour). Avas fortunate like Reform, in its choice of candidate, Mivß-locdworth being one of the most popular of the Labour Party in the Q.ueen City, and that gentlei'man must have secured a large amount of support at the ballot box, on personal rather than political grounds. Air Donald, who was the United champion was new to the public arena, but comported himself m such a way as to give assurance vnen Lis opportunity comes he will be a. very capable representative. Actually the party he supported should have a record which should have com- ! mended itself to the Auckland citij zens at this juncture, particularly at j tne moment when the London loan , went off with such success. To have I placed New Zealand in such favour overseas with the financial magnates, at a time when other countries are even barred from attempting to floai a loan, is surely a remarkable tribute to Sir Joseph Ward and his colleagues for the wisdom of their adinimstraiju». 'Finance is the most important test of I safe government, and the Ministry fac- | ing difficulties twelve months ago, has turned a deficit into a credit, and so ordered the finances of the country . that it is in a state of solvency de- | spite the critical and even unstable ondition of public finance in the world at ( large. It is a remarkable achievement in itself and, was worthy of greater reognition at the hands of the Auckland electors concerned. We have to remember that primary products are down in prices because of world prices, and that fact affects the financial administration of tlie country very greatly. But even with that handicap, apart from the other aspects referred to, Sir Joseph Ward has achieved a personal triumph for himself, and a remarkable advertisement for tlie general stability of the Dominion by tin* wonderful success attending the loan llotatio. The actual result of the poll is that Reform remains the Official Opposition. Labour has a lesson to learn from the contest if it wishes to see the political forms of the Opposition in itself for office. The Parnell contest does not suggest that is likely lo come to pass soon. The Government will evidently be free to carry on its policy in the careful and capable manner it has demonstrated itself able of doing.