THE POLITICAL FUTURE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1966, 17 April 1919, Page 3

THE POLITICAL FUTURE.

"7 NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. J* PLEA FOR CONTINUANCE. MR. GUTHRIE SUPPORTS IDEA. After a deputation representing Hie Wlmngaroa County Council and the Wlmngaroa Chamber of Commerce had interviewed the Minister for Lands at Wlmngaroa on Sat- . uvday evening, regarding the question of land settlement, Mr L. M. Lane, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, made a strong appeal to Mr Guthrie to use his influence (o bring about a continuation of the present alliance of the two main parties forming the National Government, so as to combat the efforts of that party which, lie- said, was allying itself with Bolshevik principles. The possibilities of the position were very serious, and he believed that it was the wish of the majority that in the interests of (he Dominion the alliance should con-

tame. Mr Guthrie, in reply, said that as n member cl the National Govem-i juent he was not in a position to make any statement on the subject. That was the prerogative and right of the Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward, or their representatives. But, as a private individual, he had no hesitation in giving expression to an opinion he had hold fox’ a considerable time, that it would be in the best interests of the Dominion if the two principal parties of the House went to the country as a united body. Prior to the war they were about equally balanced numerically and were absolutely opposed on certain minor points of policy, but when the Empire became embroiled in a world war it was recognised that there was only one course to adopt, and that was unity. In the face-of the enemy self interests were thrown aside, a coalition was 1 formed, and the parties had loyally adhered to Iho compact during the last four years. The country had been guided through a period bristling with difficulties, and although peace was in sight New Zealand was far from being: free of her troubles. If polilca! stability were necessary in a time of war it was equally necessary during the period of reconstruction. It appeared to him essential that, at least until normal conditions were secured, the alliance should continue, as there; would be no room for party strife. Grave difficulties were ahead of the Dominion in matters of reconstruction, and it behove the reasonable Mid sane thinking portion of the community to unite in an earnest endeavour to frustrate the influences now at work which, if not cheeked, must eventually prove detrimental to the best interests of the Dominion. ,He hoped wise counsels would prevail, and that Parliament would go to the as a united party in the interests of New Zealand as a whole.