The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1391. AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 December 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1391. AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Although the excitement of the New Zealand election will pass in the night, those interested in politics will be able to turn their attention to Australia, where Federal politics arc now in the.melting pot. It was something of a sensation the unexpected way in which the Scullin Government fell. It was expected a general election would be held in the New Year, because it was known the Government was in a precarious way, due to the unstable support of the Lang followers in the Federal House. The Scullin Government has had a stormy time from the outset. Finance was an early trouble, and at a time, too, when Mr Scullm was a sick man. He had the "opportunity to go Home for the Imperial Conference, and. that sea trip seemed to revive his health. But on his return , Messrs Lyons and Fenton who had been bis main lieutenants during his absence abroad, left him because they did not approve of the reinstatement of Mr Theodore in the Ministry, From then oh, the Government was at 'the mercy of Lang followers led by Mr Beasley in' .the Federal Parian ment, and no doubt- the group made the most of the delicate situation, But in the end the parties fell out, the charge being that the Scullin party had made- use of its patronage regarding special work, without letting the Beasley group know of the intention and Lang followers were too Into in applying for the work! This was deemed political patronage with spoils to the victors, and a- sudden nlliance of the Beasley group with the Opposition brought down the Government. The Scullin Ministry lias had a good deal of assistance from the Opposition in respect to finance. Once Mr Theodore’s proposals for a fidticiary note issue were dropped, matters went more smoothly, and sharp divisions have been absent, the Opposition loyally assisting to help the Commonwealth through its financial difficulties. There has, however, been much criticism, and the Government ha s been charged with vacillation and insincerity in its domestic -adirninistrration. Ml* Scullin was palpably weak over the threatened (seamen’s strike, which might have developed seriously hut for the bold attitude of the New Guard. The promise of protection for free labour to man the ships saved the situation, and not Mr Scull in’s: appeal for conciliation. Between t-he Federal and State Government, there has been much dissension, despite the ready way the Federal Government helped the State Government " and saved the latter from making default, or worse, repudiating the national debts. But Mr Lang ha s been a factor in Federal politics through the Beasley Group, and it- is well that there is the opportunity to end the impasse. In the appeal to the electors, there will be some difficulty to make, ;v (sharp line of distinction. Mr Scullin lias talents, but his companionship has been the drawback. Had lie done like Mr Lyons at tile time of test, he would have been in the same position ns Mr Ramsay MacDonald at Home. Mr Lyons is evidently to be the leader of the Opposition as he speaks for the party to night, and it says -something for the unity of the Nation'll party when the other leaders (including Mr Latham and Dr. Earl Page) have given place ito th-: ex-La hour Minister. The Scullin- Government went into office with a strong backing, but it has not been able t-a utilise its opportunity in the country’s best interests. There has been too much attention to chars interests, and that invariably / proves the weakness of Labour administration in failing to realize how comprehensive its mission and would be for the public good.

With the election turmoil out of the way, New Zealand should to-morrow return to duty and business, and help to the fullest extent ,to set the liouae in order. An election is a very utsturbing factor, but fortunately on this occasion, but time of disruption linis been short. Labour helped materially to force the election and the expenditure upon the country, and when the gains and losses are counted tonight, probably those chiefly responsible for the upset will hardly think the cost worth the gain. However, the result, be it vvhu.it it may, lias to be accepted in the best spirit possible, and all must return-to work and Inure to-morrow in the right frame of mind to do their best for the country at large. The local business man or trader will have an eye on the Christmas trade now looming up, and he should not he unmindful of the best means of capturing a; good share of what is going. We note- outside houses are taking time by the forelock, and by advertising are drawing business to themselves. That would not be done if ft did not pay to advertise. The local political candidates have been seeking votes and support by advertising freely, and the local trader should follow sftit if trade and support are desired. The cry of buying New Zealand goods is spreading, and the local tradespeople- should proclaim the classes of New Zealand manufactures they are stocking. Another cry which could be made more insistent by local advertising, is “Buy in Your Own Home Town.” This is possible in most things, and just a-s unity of forces count in to-day’s poll, iso will unity of buying locally help the old town to- keep up its head in these difficult times. The large purveyors find it useful to advertise a-broad, so the local salespeople will find it advisable- to advertise in the home town. The business is being done outside which should be down Inside. Actually the business people of Hokitika in the- main are poor advertisers, but the time to lie niggardly in that direction has passed. These are the days of keener competition, and the business man who would be enjoying a turiv over in keeping with the needs of bis stock,’ is the man who is not afraid to advertise Ills wares, and tell the buying public what be lias for sale. With the Christmas buying taking bold of the people, now is the time to advertise.