The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1931. THE DEBACLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 November 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1931. THE DEBACLE.

The sweeping victory of the National Government at Home-will have a surprise tor the world at large. But the signs and portents, were very plain, and even Russia was able to discuss the coming event. The effect is so disastrous to political Labour, that the party at Home must now hide its diminishing head. There lias been a sweeping annihilation of its sometime leaders, feo that altogether, the party beepmes a non-counter in British politics. It is a' tremendous set back, for even the discredited Liberal forces despite ill-starred leadership of late by Mr Lloyd Gliorge, totals Spme (63 to Labour's 54 (National and Opposition). Df all the forecasts, the Government anticipations were the soundest, but mnguine ns they were, they were far from the mark, The rouit of the Labour patty has been complete. Just why there was n turnover so marked 'n public -opinion, may in the main he iscribed to the clearer thinking of the ’lectors. Labour lost its poise through not realising the trend of events, and failing to respond as members to the judgment of its leaders. The decision of Messrs MacDonald, Snowden, Thomas and others to place country before party, was the pro pep action to take when a crisis so grave faced the financial stability of Britain. To thosd who would not is-e the way to save the party as a political entity, preferring to take their own course, the sledgehammer blows jn the criticism of Mr Snowden, upon, their political policy, had their effect and virtual annihilation - was the final effect. Tile outcome is a great majority, almost unweildy in- its dimensions. But the- (important matter is that the Government policy to save the country’s credit, as far as it has gone, is endorsed by the people, who further have given- the National Ministry a blank cheque to go- on as is thought best in the further development of its policy. The opportunity is a remarkable one, and it- is for the best financial brains in the Government to so shape the policy of the country that the greatest good may result. That •was the intention of the election.!. It r vfas ta' ’seek the - good will and cooperation of the public in the task which had to be accomplished. It is not a time fo-r partv advantages nor for personal ambitions. There is much to he done for the good of the country in stabilising finance and In creating work at Home for the benefit of the unemployed.,s Stability of the country’s credit will come wiQi a renewal of confidence from outside. Great Britain stands out again as a very solid power. It- was a repetition of the war time experience. In the moment of peril. the people have come together and showed confidence in its leaders. The effect of this abroad will be very marked, It must go some way to make a favourable settlement in India possible, and that would ho a event gain to the Empire. The National Cabinet will he listened to in all matters addressed overseas. There is hope for the Disarmament Conference in the result of the- election. Its work at Home will he quicker done.: Its trade relations with the overseas Dominions- may improve. The po-lling seems to make Great Britain stand out as a greater world Power than ever because of the expressed unity of the people and the complete backing of the National Government,