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Hokitika Guardian, 29 November 1930, Page 4

lire I act that Messrs ('oal.es and Slewart have thrown in their lot in favour of political fusion on certain lines, "'ill give the proposal a real ft Hip 'i here has been a general dci-ire expressed in favour of the step for a long time pa,st, hut there was a lack o! leadership. Now that those in authority are opening their minds on the subject the onus is thrown on the leaders of the parties concerned to give the matter seriorp attention. Mr Downio Stewart is very frank in his published statement, and refers to the need for a national government to handle the country's affairs at this juncture. We endorse this readily because in these columns such a step has been advocated from time to time. Wo recall, that when there was the muddle with the Reform finance, we advocated the setting up of a Grand Committee of Exports to deal with the financial issues. The stringency of the position is ever .so much worse to-day. which confirms our view that the need is the greater. The low prices for all the primary products which contribute ninety per cent of the national welfare, means that with the drop in prices tliet-0 are going to be loan times. It is not advisable to wait as long as Austral ; n is doiiig. to realise the critical position and the call for drastic action. It is much better to face filets How, and a. less drastic course will suffice. The well being of the country should he the pride and interest of all political parties, just, as its safety was when the enemy was at the gates. Then there were no oua.lms about rocketing political feelings. that the country’s good might be served. Tt is a. very presult trouble to-day which is at the gates. The pnVical stability of the country as a whole is at stake. Thor”- is a palpable drift going on, and with the lulling prints for wool and butter ft”, mention oulv two primary products') things financial must he going from lew] to worse. That rot, should he checked. In Italy wo r«a<l the position v being grappled with, and after the lesson of tlve war. and the purpose served by national action at that time, there should be an unselfish combination of the political parties again to handle national affairs, free from petty jealousies or rivalries. By co-operating wholeheartedly for the, public weal, the leaders of to-day can prove theii sincerity rp statesmen, and show their personal desire to achieve in reality the greatest good for the greatest number the essence of all true government. What is being said by the lenders above referred to must provoke a response. Mr Ransom 1-as r.ooken no less frankly and indicated n favourable mind on the subject. Tt is unfortunate that at this stage hi* health is not too robust, and that +bo Prime Minister should be absent. But if the preliminary discussion proceeds matters may he well in train for a concrete proposal by the time Mr Foi’b°s returns to take up this matter of great national concern.