WELLINGTON TOPICS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 August 1931, Page 7

WELLINGTON TOPICS

WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT. A PROMISING PIONEER. (Special Correspondent). W 'WELLINGTON duly 30. Though the women of New Zealand have ior a dozen years enjoyed the prilege—such as it is—of contesting a seat in the House or Representatives, not one df them has yet succeeded in ranching the goal to which perhaps a dozen of them have aspired. Jt is certain that two or three of these heroic spirit have lacked neither courage nor ability, but somehow both male and female electors have regarded them with hesitation and even distrust. It is being whispered about the House, the lobbies, the corridoors and the byeways, however, that the right kind of woman candidate has at last been discovered. She is not a hysterical young person that would turn the head of the older members nor an elderly dame that would tax the patience of tint younger members ;but an earnest, cupable, cultured woman who knows as much as does any present member of the House, Early next week an announcement may be male. ANOTHER APPEAL. A large body df business and professional men in Palmerston North have addressed to the Prime Minister an appeal of the formation of a National Government that will set party difference aside and apply itself earnestly to the salvation of the country. “We believe,” the petitioners say, in the recital of their faith, “that the 'formation of such a Government is inevitable but are further convinced that the soon er it is brought about the sooner will this country return to a condition of prosperity. We believe that the views expressed recently in this connection bv the- “Times” are a clear indication that the formation of a National Government- would immediately and immeasurably inroensc our financial credit abroad and "inspire a feeling of confidence both Dominion and overseas. Appeals of this kind are being addressed to the United and Reform leaders almost daily, but time is passing on add the prospect of a closer understanding between the older parties appears to lie diminishing. THE NEXT MOVE. N The Prime Minister naturally does not feel disposed to make any further J overtures to the Leader ol the Opposition in regard to fusion ; but as he lias put it, lie has left the door wide open to both the other parties, and should tfiov car© to discuss the position with him he would he glad to meet them—if they did not occupy too much of his time. Meanwhile the Government had to carry on as if the whole harden of the present and future rested upon its shoulders. It was not exactly the development lie had expected when he j assumed office, .and it was not one ho would have sought very eagerly; but he.would have to make the best he could of bis “job” without meanwhile counting upon any assistance from cut* side. Chatting in lighter vein—and perhaps not for publication lie observed that running a Government "'as a much ton "her job than running a farm a.id that hr -as ready to make an »j: change wuh any of his competent neighbours. CLARIFYING POLITICAL ISSUE The capital City’s morning paper which dees not exist for the purpose of extailing the good works of the Prime Minister, does not hesitate to suggest to the Leader of the Opposition that Mr Forbes would make, a very useful colleague in a re-construct d Ministry. “Those special circumstances,” is stateu the o*her 'My, referring to the decision of the Canterbury D visional Executive of the Rdl'orm Party to set up no opponent to the Prime Minister in bis own constituency, “we are in paranuint need for the Dominion oif strong government and sound iAlministration, so that it can face up to the heavy tasks ahead with courage and confidence. “However much downright people may dislike compromise, and however difficult they may find it to forget the extravagant policy of the Government in its first two years o r office.” it adds, “most of them will agree with the Canterbury Executive that on this occasion there are spec al- - Such a suggestion from this source can scarcely be ignored.