THE POLITICAL OUTLOOK.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1949, 8 March 1919, Page 1

THE POLITICAL OUTLOOK.

FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS

THE “PROGRESSIVE” PARTY.

DIVIDED LABOUR CAMP

The political outlook, in view of the impending cessation ol the parly truce, the nearness of the general election, and the complicated state of parlies, continues to efi'--gross a large share of public attention throughout the Dominion,

,V Northern member of Parliament, in discussing the situation, at Auckland, said: —“The general feeling'is that there will be no platform or propaganda work, and that the party truce will be observed until (Tie two political leaders return. The feeling among many members is that the general election will be held almost immediately after (lie arrival of the Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward, probably in July. One reason for Ihe expectation of an early election is the restive condition of the rank and tile of both the two principal parties, dissatisfaction being freely expressed with what is described as (he political stagnation of the recess.’-

In regard lo llu 1 proposed new progressive parly (ha member said dial at a wcll-allcnded meeting of Iho adhoroats pi; (lie movement held in Wellington last week, reports were received from Hie various districts indicating that Hie idea of a new part y, wliieh would strike out on hojd radical lines, was being favourably received throughout the Dominion. It was stated that a number of new candidates, who supported the new movement, were already offering themselves in various eonsliluenciem It is staled that when I lie time comes for action the progressive parly, as a solid entity, will coldest a great number of seal.-. Then l was some suggestion las!, week,’’ the member added, “of the formation of another combination, consisting of some Liberal and some moderate Labour members, but this idea does not appear to have aroused much enthusiasm, and is not likeIv to fruelifv.”

Unsatisfactory as the' present position may be to Reformers and Liberals, it appears to be' equally complicated from the point of view of the Labour Party, which is split ido two ,''actions. On this subject the member interviewed stated: — “Tiie extremists have given more or less polite intimations to the one or two moderate Labour men in the House that they must strike a more extreme note or be prepared for opposition. It seems that, unless the moderate Labourite is prepared to sink his individual views and support the extreme section, Labour is unlikely to present a united front in the coming contest. The two oldestablished parties thus are not (he only political sections that have their internal troubles.’’