THE Kaipara Advertiser. AND WAITEMATA CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 1912.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 17 July 1912, Page 2

THE Kaipara Advertiser. AND WAITEMATA CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 1912.

T.HE POLITICAL ARENA. The recent defeat of the now late Liberal Government by a majority of eight votes—a somewhat malaclministrative party that contrived to the best of their combined ability to weather, at all costs, the political storms of a vitriolic reign on the Treasury benches — will not necessarily come as a surprise to those who, during the last few months, have been widely alert to the tense situation of possible, and sensational developments. As a matter of fact, when, in February of the present year, what may at this stage be termed as a great historical deadlock occured, it was selfevident that the new Ministry, under the leadership of the Hon. T. Mackenzie, must eventually go to the wall; more especially as virile rumours were rife anent the growing disatisfaction among a certain clique of presumed Liberal supporters, five of whom, when the first chance offered itself, did not hesitate to take advantage of the sudden trend of circumstances. With regard to the change of front shown by the particular members of Parliament in question, and to whom an official organ of a government that has basked in the sunshine of a fool's paradise for over twenty years, deemed fit to call " seceders ;" we may point out that every true man should be open to conviction. Moreover, it does not essentially follow because they may have, in the initial flush of prospective aggrandisement, indicated that they would advocate the interests of a hair-brained Liberal programme, that a wider experience should prevent them from assuming a different role at the pyschological moment, realising the futility of pinning their principles to the mast of a sinking ship: On the other hand, although the Mackenzie Cabinet was in existence for so brief a period, they, as a representative body, gained for the most part, a meritorious, if short-lived reputation. While alluding to this subject, and retrospectively speaking, it must be patent to the unprejudiced peopleof New Zealand that the severe indictment launched forth by Mr R. McKenzie against Mr A. M. Myers was typical of Billingsgate, and quite beyond the pale of Parliamentary etiquette. Under all conditions, and every phrase of political life, the dignity of the House should be preserved. The degeneracy of the age is apparent; but to turn the arena of debate j into a hot-bed of reckless vituperJ ation, as did the Hon. Rhoderick, was without'precedent, and totally unjustifiable. Such actions savour too much of the Fox and the Sour Grapes. In conclusion, MrW. F. Massey has displayed remarkable acumen so far as the allotment of portfolios is concerned, and should be congratulated accordingly. As to what will transpire in the near future remains to be seen; however, we think that the turn in the .tide of events shall be beneficial'*.to this Dominion, as a whole.