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Hokitika Guardian, 1 June 1931, Page 4

Duninc. tlie week end the Leader of the Oiqosition (.Mr Coates) has been visiting Christchurch, and it, i s ap- | parent, from Ids remarks that lie is . somewhat inflated with the sucees s of tin' Reform Party candidate at Haur- ; aki. Mr Coate, s should bear in mind that one swallow does not mean an entire summer, and he should remem- 1 her also, that his party’s candidate had certain material advantages which gave him a good start, Mr Massey who wa s successful, was the first in ( the field, and was able to do a good ( deal of preliminary camp -ig' ing. Mr Forbes waited patiently for Mr Coates to reply to the fusion overtures before , seeking to intrude into the contest. It will he recalled that Mr Contes < dnllied over his answer, and finally - Mr Forbes hud to issue an unofficial f ultimatum through the press that he f could not wait over the closing of the nominations for Hnurakl for Mr , Coates’ reply. The Reform candidate who was a rersona gratia in his own ] right to begin with in the electorate, therefore had an extra start in the wooing of the electors, and the result , showed that fullest advantage was , taken of the situation. Mr Coates - will not enjoy similar privi'eget, in ( other contests, and lie should not draw false conclusions from Hauraki. His ( published remarks at Christchurch , suggest lliat Mr Coate K purposes being the dictator of the United policy for , the immediate future. We doubt very much from the type Mr Forbes is, . if lie is the sort of man to submit to any s ueh overloading dictation. The Prime Minister, throughout, has recognised his duty very clearly to tlie j country, and neither the Hauraki result. nor Mr Coates’ dictation are likely to divert him from his public purpose. Mr Coates seemed to bo unfair also in suggesting remissions on the port of the Prime Minister in reward to the oversea trade. Mr Forces it is well known, did not miss an opnortivnity while at Home of doing all lie could possibly for the advance of that trade. He is a farmer himself. and fully imbued with tlie needs for the best markets possible. Mr Coates was labouring the political sit- | nation, therefore to question the bona fino s of Mr Forbes in this matter. However, through the ventilation of his opinions at this juncture, Mr Coates helps to clear the air. It is evident the Government will not have a great deal of support. Whatever is forthcoming will be qualified. That will place the Government in an obligatory position, and we may except it will not he endured unduly. The stage is being set for a general election already, and that event certainlv looms the nearer because of Mr Contes’ patronising criticism. The Leader of the Opposition is trying to face both ways, hut evidently has two oye s on possibilities if an election can be precipitated, and that apparently is what the country is now heading for.