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Hokitika Guardian, 28 October 1930, Page 4

Thr si tus a.«d . th© portents -for tiro New South Wales elections on Saturday wore not read aright l>v the quid nunos. Labour, in all the fircumistnnces, has had a sweeping victory in one of the most momentous political contests of late, rears. Much was at stake, and the public were well plied with statements and information as to the 1 crisis to. hei faced and the issue to ;b§Nplecided. Mr La,ns. profuse in promises of an apparently most extravagant character, and with a policy directly opposed to that upon which the Federal and State Premiers had agreed as necessary to .save the financial position for Australia, has .achieved a remarkable victory. The New South Wales electors, whether in city or country, have left no doubt as to their wish, and vox populi has been expressed in no uncertain sound. ■ Mr Bavin and the composite Ministry, which had agreed to work in consort with the other State and Federal Governments, must go, and make room for Mr Lang and his party. Labour has been given a mandate to carry on .along the lines Mr Lang would .lead the State. He I s opposed to the financial adjustments which had been agreed upon. He must strike out on, a new line, but money must he had which ever way he moves. He has hinted at securing it from the banks, which apparently have told other Premiers there is none available excepting on certain lines of internal policy the effect of which was intended to balance the. budget. Mr Lang, is taking both the Premiership ancl the Trensnrertehip, and in those responsible positions must find the money required to carry on. Doubtless an early session will he necessary for the presentation of his policy, and it will then be disclosed whether his promises can he honoured. But there is much more to do than merely carrying on financially meeting! current expenditure. A large obligations presents itself in the matter of relieving unemployment, and giving trade that lift which is so desirable. One of the factors in the Labour victory. no doubt, was the groaning under hard times and heavy taxation. Australia is unfortunately in a very bad way, and doubtless the New South Wales electors were ready to swap horses even when their difficulties were the greatst in the hope that fresh vigor .and life would be introduced into polities, and the desirable change brought about. The glamour of Mr Lang’s promises captivated the minds of the people and so they made their choice. Mr Lang will need all the co-operation and assistance he can get. Mr Bavin will no doubt bo ready to lend a helping hand, Ibut Mr Lang's methods may be rather different. However, the popple’s will must have its way, and Mr Lang must be given a fair chance to redeem the situation. His is an enormous task and wtih his hand firmly to the plough, mil Australia will wish him luck in his great task.