The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the Most Coast Times. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1931. THE NEW ORDER.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 May 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the Most Coast Times. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1931. THE NEW ORDER.

With the withdrawal of tlie Reform Party from uio fusion overtures instituted in the first instance by petitions to both parties by influential citizens of the four centres, there is the promise of the beginning of a new order of affairs. Mr Forbes probably was surprised at Mr Coates’ statement following his own frank utterances and offer, llis offer was not tinged with any partisanship, but as ho expressed it colloquially, presented a clean slate on which to record a new beginning. Mr Coates declined in hardly the mostgracious terms. He evidently desired to score off his opponent, which was not quite playing the game, a no ms statement suffered by contrast with tho matter and manner of Mr Forbes’ expression. However, that by the way. The die-hards in the Reform ranks leave elected to stand aloof. Notwithstanding that on a former occasion when the national crisis was not so marked Mr Coates developed the seven points of policy on which Reform would consider a coalition. Mr Coates’ refusal is for him unconditional, for ne suggests a conference which would be futile in the end, because if the conference renresentalives may not have their way. they will lie m opposition, and that after the Government placing all the cards on the table. It would appear it were best for Mr Forbes to take up liis task again just where he left off at the end of the special session. His policy can be formulated at once, and brought down to Parliament ns early as possible' next month. He could then ask for the decision of till' House on definite lines, and if defeated could go at once to the couhtrv. This is the shortest cut evidently to stability in the Government- of the country, and that is what New Zealand wants at present more than anything, Mr Forbes lias discharged a very unpleasant duty most successfully. He has had the courage of his opinions

anj faced difficulties at every stage. Perhaps it is that Reform members lack tlie courage to take up the task which they know will have to be performed if the Dominion js to conic through tlie crisis with the least possible inconvenience. Jl is predicted that there is a hal'd winter ahead and a strong Government is necessary to direct the lortnncs of the Dominion, therefore an early general election on .Mr Forbes' safety poii y would ho an excellent method of clearing the air and leaving the new Government free to work out the destiny of the country along safe duos. Mr C’oute.s it would appear, is most zealous of the fortunes of ip's MU'fcv, which h ( . says refuses to dcsvYox fselfl. 'I ]«• leader indical.es that risk now by refusing to think nationally n Lliis time <m stress, in reviewing lie situation which has now developed, he Christchurch Times says that the mtstn tiding figure in New Zealand pclities to-day is the Prime Minister, wild, in ei feu in stab ties of unparalleled difficulty, commanding only a minority in Parliament, took Ills political life in his hands, aniiouneod his determination at any cost of office or popularity to carry out a comprehensive scheme of economies and boldly called Parliament together to approve or condemn. With a unanimity that Parliament could not ignore the country expressed is approval, and if the great mass of the Reform voters of tlie last election could express their feelings to-dav they would give an overwhelming support to the Prime .Minister. Tin’s refusal lias enormously strengthened Air Forbes's position, and incidentally it lias demonstrated how empty is the claim of Reform to place the interests of the country before’ those of tlie partv. Mr Forbes must go ahead now with his job. Ho lias tlie country behind him. and if the Reformers decline to fall into line so much the worse for them. With that dictum on the situation most will agree. The present uncertain political situation in New Zealand is costing dear, iy, for it delays a definite return to confidence which is requisite to ensure a revival along prosperous lines. This delay becomes at once. 1 a first charge against the Reform Party and its leaders who in moment of groat opportunity missed the chance to do big tilings.