The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast, Times. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 1931 A POLITICAL ACHIEVEMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 August 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast, Times. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 1931 A POLITICAL ACHIEVEMENT.

It is surely something of a great achievement to read of the formation of a National Government at Home. The Motherland again gives lead to the colonies to do likewise, in »times of crisis. Here we have seen the suggesting of a National Government discounted, but there is time yet to retrieve the'position. The British Parliament has set an example which must have its The Government composed of three parties, and tho leading members are included in the Cabinet. It is noteworthy that the size of the Ministry is to he reduced, which is a notable gesture as to the form of policy of the, Government will take in respect to economies. Air Lloyd George has given the Cabinet his ililcssing which suggests that the main opposition to the new Cabinet will come from the disgi muted Labourites. They represent a considerable section of the main Labour party, and their objection to the new financial proposals is the cut in the benefits attached to the social services which is costing the United Kingdom so dear. We had- the same objection voiced by members of the Labour party here, who fail to recognise the obligation of the country of living within its means. The National Government at Home should be a tower of strength to the Empire at this juncture. The fact that the Conservatives have entered the .compact at a time when the prospects of success at the approaching general election were so promising, suggests that Mr Baldwin and his followers have readily put country before party. It- is probably true that the King’s influence in this crisis has been a great assist-’ ance in reaching a conclusion which evidently lifted' a burden of anxiety from the mind of Mr Ramsay MacDonald. The leaders of tho Labour Party and the followers who associate themselves with, the new Ministry, have exercised their rights apart from party ties, and in doing so at such a time have shown a degree of political courage which is most commendable. Their career as ultra Labour members lias probably ended, for they may not again be admitted to the narty fold, but they, have the satisfaction'of taking an all important step in the interests of the country .rather than the party. At the same time the Labour party had reached its limits. With finance exhausted, it could go on further. The monetary position is of course serious. It is the crux of the situation which has arisen. Still, the combination now constituting the Government will give confidence all round, and there will be the opportunity to retrieve the position. Great Britain has had its trials and difficulties in the past, but is far from worsted. The course of events appear to be repeating themselves again. In the hour of extremity the means appears to be provided to retrieve the position and win out. The political achievement now accomplished seems to set the stage for the great recovery of Britain and the re-establishment of her financial prestige once again.