The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1931. MR FORBES DECIDES.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 April 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 1931. MR FORBES DECIDES.

ink decision of Mr Forbes in favour of .1 strong party to lead the country politically, is being well received on all sides where the financial position of the country is fully realised. The public statement sent out by Mr Forbes is a clear review of the situation, and the reasons lie offers for a new party will he appreciated by those taking a musible view oi the general economic ’iluatitm. There must he a realisation >f the mischief possible from tile pfeent three party system. To begin itli. patty manoeuvring has bceii . esponsible for costly delays over the late special session. Each party has been animated in the maiil with an eye on tile general election. That ban not conduced to the soundest legislation in tin*, matters of import brought forward. With 11 numerically weak Government in office, those affected by tlie legislative cuts or other actions tending to economy, have not failed to bombard the other parties in Parliament, seeking to influence individual members in their favour, and these tactics have affected the progmss of the Government policy. Mr Forbes has stressed the financial difficulties of the country at every step ho has considered it necessary to take, hut again and again he has had to compromise ho as to secure at least an instalment of his policy. This has not made for the ultimate betterment of the country and the Prime Minister with his usual frankness admits it. There its now the opportunity for the anti-ISooialist section of the community to bring about a fresh alignment in political parties. It does not follow all will lie pleased however anxious they may lie to see a strong party, but, with the welfare of the country at stake, individual must be dropped for the good of the whole. The .Ministry has shown a fine example in this emergency. Typical of the Liberal principle: “the greatest good fop the greatest number.” each Minister is prepared to sacrifice office for the purpose of serving the country ns a whole, it is a (splendid spirit and a complete answer to all the vapourings of those who have been charging the Government with hanging on to office at attv price. Mr Forbes’ frank suggestion of a clean political slate to trickle the job more independently, Is mi appropriate gesture in keeping with the fitness of the occasion. It mean,- that nothing stands in the way of all parties to come together and do their best unitedly for the security of the country. A stable Government will create a degree of confidence general®-, the effect of which will be far-reaching. It will not he a ease of government by mere opportunity, but by complete regard for all the circumstances. New Zealand lias the opportunity it never had before politically. It is a wider cbancp than offered at the time of the Great War. Then a temporary fusion took place; but row there is the opening for a new party after the manner of the Unionist party at Home, when stressful times drove divergent sections into line, to create a stable party capable of achieving political advancements in tune with the needs of the times. We believe Mr Forbes’ decision is destined to work a great political reform in this country, one that will lie of real value to the Dominion at. large, and the quicker remove the economic depression New Zealand now suffers from.