The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 1930. PARTY GOVERNMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 1930. PARTY GOVERNMENT.

The fact that the Auckland Chamber of Commerce has resolved against the continuance of party Government will direct special attention to the question of Dominion politics. The Chamber, however, went further, and suggested the Reform and United parties should coalesce, but this would not end pairty Government, [for [the Labourparty would remain, and there would be at least two parties, to say nothing of the free lance independents, which are always on the political horizon. The Auckland Chamber desires the coalition specially that the two parties—Government] and Official Opposition might collaborate on the present economic situation I But during

the week, any overtures in that direction were bolted and barred by the action of the Leader of the Reform party, moving and expressing no confidence in the economic policy of the United Government. Mr Coates’ action is not helpful in the direction Auck- I land desires. Indeed, it is in the dir-

ect opposite, and means that rather than help the Government, Mr Coates and his party would take the short cut to vote out tli© Ministry. To this attitude the demeanour of the Labour pary is in direct opposition. Mr Holland stated the party’s disposition very fairly. Of the two parties to whom ho was opposed lie liked Reform the lesser, and whole lie- was not disposed to accept the United TBndgot in toto, he and his party would support where they could and help to mould something better. This is at .least helpful and seems to suggest that if there were to be any coalition it might lie rather with the radical wings of Parliament, than with the conservative element. But is there any hope of non-narty Government coming to pass? Not the slightest in our opinion and for that reason parties will | not pass, nor will any coalition of existing parties be seriously considered. Public opinion is now more advanced politically than over it was. Education and the right to vote have afforded instruction and thought as to political problems. Problems are present in plenty, and in the political arena schools of thought are rapidly developing new ideas to meet the fresh situations. Naturally with the economic situation being a world problem, all

countries are involved in its settlement and in every land there are diverse opinions about the national control of affairs in the endeavour' to right the position. The experience of to-da.v shows that there is no royal road to overcome the simple law of supply and demand, hut peoples try to palliate the situation, and party cr a section of public opinion has its own idea of trying to meet the pressing difficulties. In the political .world since the war, few countries have been able to, secure a dominant party to govern. In most instances there are compromises of policy or temporary fusions. Australia lias had its share of fusion government. Britain is governed by compromise largely. Canada is now emerging from, a fusion state to a strong party Ministry. New Zealand is an insecure position, politically, and it is only the help,of Labo if which saves the'United Government. 111 other countries, wo see France torn asunder by parties, and frequent Ministerial changes. Italy has tried a dictator as Spain did, but, there is no guarantee that even a one man Government can be a success. While there are divergent minds vested with tlje right to speak at the ballet box, there will bo parties, and any attempt to limit the number, of parties will be futile. The state of the public mind indicates progress always, and that means trie steady growth of radicalism. For that reason. United (of Liberal) a,hd Labour are the mere likely parties to come together. The Conservative political views centre in Reform, and to join forces in that quarter would mean a negation of Liberal ideals. In politics public opinion has full onportunity to express itself, and it is the ballot box alone which will determine the range of party Government.