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Hokitika Guardian, 15 April 1931, Page 4

The Prime Minister lias refuted the suggestion, industriously circulated by members of the Labour Party, that an extension of the term of the present Parliament will be proposed. There are. no doubt, a number of taxpayers who consider that the postponement of the expenditure of £70.000 or £Bo.ooo' upon the general election would be desirable in existing circumstances. it is precisely the existing circumstances that make it- a matter of importance that the general election should take place this year in the ordinary course. It would he of distinct advantage to the country if a stable Government were in power to cope satisfactorily with the difficulties consequent upon what has been called ‘‘the economic blizzard.” e have not had the benefit of the existence of a stable Government, as an exchange noiuts out, during the course of this Parliament. Tt is unfortunate that in a time like this, it is remarked, a Government should hold office tnat is the representative of a minority of the members of the elected House and the representative of a minority of the electors, A Government which has to turn first to one section of the

House and then to another section of the House for the support it requires to carry the legislation it introduces does mil possess the power am.l the independence that pre essential if it is In tlis lmrgc with lull efficiency the respons.-hilit ies that are placed upon it. The operation of the threeparty system in Parliament is at all times apt to he highly unsatisfactory, hut the mischief oi it is most evident when, as in our own case, the party that is in offi is not actually the strongest of the three parties. If. is disappointing that the two parties between which the differences are least serious have not recognised the wisdom of uniting their forces in order that a stable Government might he secured. The supporters of both of them in the country would almost certainly regard a fir-ion as in the best interests of the Dominion and would, therefore, welcome it.