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Hokitika Guardian, 23 October 1931, Page 4

Judged by the cable reports, the British Elections are more remarkable fcr the publicity stunts being so generally indulged in, than for the weight and eloquence of the hundreds of speakers engaged. Of course there is the occasion when ever titled persons may be heard because of tile rabble, and this has grown such a serious aspect of the campaign that Mr Henderson, leader of the Labour Party, realising the harm his misguided supporters are doing, has appealed for fair play. It is often remarkable how a stirring election contest - will create an unusual spint of opposition, and the most decorus in ordinary times, go to excesses in their evidently uncontrollable excitement. The election, however, will soon run its course and the day of decision is at hand. Public opinion seems to favour the fortunes of the National Government, and if there is anything in stolid Britisher, now is the time for it to he demonstrated. The occasion demands something in the nature of a sweeping majority so that the assurance regarding the future financial stability of Britain may be made doubly sure. Although there are many cross currents in the platform declarations of the cor.didates, the essential plank is to secure the national credit beyond all doubt. Among the hundreds of public speakers. Mr Snowden remains the most conspicuous for lie lays Dare the shams of the Labour Opposition. The source of the attack carries conviction. for indeed he is a thorn in tile side of his sometime colleagues. There is some suggestion that the seats of Messrs MacDonald and Henderson are both in doulif. The count'y, however, can afford to retain both with advantage, the former fcr his courage jn leadership, and the latter because of his safety as a Labour leader in the general, trend of the political activities of the. party. The. issue of tariffs is not definitely before the people, but veil the subject as the speakers will, jt will he an issue in the near fii'ture when the Commons have to definitely settle the fi-cal programme to secure a balanced budget actually and not theoretically.