The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1931. THE FEDERAL CONTEST.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 December 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1931. THE FEDERAL CONTEST.

Ihe loderal elections in Australia are now drawing to the climax. Saturday is polling day, and thereafter the immediate political fate of the Commonwealth will be known. The election is oi peculiar interest just now, because of Labour, being on its political tijal. Both in State aud Federal Government, Labour has had its innings, md will now be on' trial for performuices and not promises. In addition, here is a split in the ranks of Labour, particularly in New South Wales, where many of the Labour candidates .re under Mr Beasley, espousing the ning Plan. There will be several ’’ecleral Lajbour followers in opposition to the Beasley candidates, so that here is a sharp division. At the same • ime, both Labour parties enter the 'lection, with the declared policy of political control of banking find credit. This will be the test issue at the polls, and it is likely to find Labour wanting in the public favour. The Opposition is not united in a political sense, but are working in unison at the polls. The Country Party under Dr. Earle Page is in sympathy with the Opposition to the Labour Government, out has its own- policy, while at the same time working in conjunction with tlio Opposition led by Mr Lyons, former Labour member. The Opposition is opposed definitely to inflation which it is believed would be the outcome of the banking control. Mr Theodore, the Federal Minister of Finance, has long desired to see the currency InHated, but hag been held in check, Now the party as a whole seem* to be adopting the plank. The most notable ex-ample of recent times of the folly of inflation is Germany. Following the war, Germany adopted a paper currency, which was printed as. fast as the machines could work. The folly of that policy was soon apparent, for the-paper money is now worthless, and its issue raised false hopes and wild speculation, with the, result that iinemployment, misery and starvation are rampant jn Germany to-day. As to the probable outcome of the election* this week, there is a concensus of opinion that Labour will receive a grept set back. As in’ Great Britain, so in Australia, Labour has been weighed in the balance of performance, and found wanting, The Opposition is presenting n more united front than usual at? the polls, mid some wi*s dmn hag been shown In allocating candidates. The principal splitting of votes will be in regard to Labour, which is rather an unusual eiroumsance, Mr Lyons by common consent has supplanted Mr Latham as the leader of the National party. Mr, Bruce ex-Natioual leader .> defeated at the polls at the last occasion, is however on the horizon. He is aosent from the country, but ex-colleagues are speaking on his behalf, and he is hastening his return to Australia. He is expected to be re-elected, and will have a following who may dispute the leadership with Mr Lyons. The latter however is at- least in possession, and will have the privilege of selecting a composite Ministry if. as expected. Labour is routed at the polls, Mr Lyons has proved a stable member of Parliament with a good sense of right, and the courage to stand by his convictions. That is sound leadership and suggests his capability for the post be bolds.