The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1931. The POLITICAL ISSUE.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 July 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1931. The POLITICAL ISSUE.

Politics . appear to have settled into a definite groove. The decisive decision of the House on-the Labour noconfidence motion indicates that the Government has its mandate to carry on with its difficult problems. Probably the Reform party would not be anxious to oust the Ministry at the present juncture—as they could, for Labour is ready to vote with the Opposition on aiiy crucial division. It is realised no doubt that the political issue at present is too complex to rush In and attempt the task that Mr Forbes is progressing with. Actually the Government is handling the situation very circumspectly. There is plenty of destructive criticism in regard to the Government, but nothing constructive is ■being offered in its place. Meantime Mr Forbes is meeting all open comments very fearlessly and. with a reply that is' being well received. The criticism of the Government by the prers of New Zealand, is on the whole very favourable, and much of it is very complimentary to Mr Forties, who has been table to penetrate the armour of many of his sometime opponents, and there is a growing feeling of favourable support in many quarters where before the Liberal policy did not find a great deal of favour. At the recent meeting of United supporters held, in Wellington, there was a. representative gathering of delegates from all parts of the Dominion which augured well for the prospects of the party when called to face the elections. As an outcome of that meeting, an excellent choice of candidates to carry the United banner is possible. It would appear the immediate prospects for fusion are not bright. Refoim as a party stands aloof, though many prominent supporters are ready to support a unity. Reform will go to the polls no doubt as a separate entry, for the feeling is that there is not now the

occasion there once was to unite to hold Labour in political check. The actions of thft party .in Parliament, and the demeanour of unionists on the West Coast, and particularly in the constituency of the Labour leader, have rather depressed Labour stock politically, and while the candidates may poll as well as ever in some of File centres where they have established good organisation*, the general trend, of public feeling is said to be distinctly anti-Labour because of the distrust of the fiscal policy that; party favours, Labour’s best hopes will be fouaided'on triangular contests \vhere United, Reform and Labour candidates go to the poll, but there is some suggestion of these fights, being decreased iu number, and.' if so the last hope of Labour to win political power vanishes.