POLITICAL OUTLOOK.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2013, 9 August 1919, Page 3

POLITICAL OUTLOOK.

VIEWS OF MR. MASSEY.

A brief statement of his views on the present political situation in the Dominion was given by the Prime Minsiter, the Right lion. W. F. ATassey, in the course of an interview at Auckland. The Prime Minister said:

“The policy of the country must he a policy of progress. To carry out a vigorous policy of reconstruction and development in a time like the present, there must be a strong Government. There must lie a Government that will place the interests of the country before parly and every other consideration. "What is wanted is a solid combination of patriotic, progressive and practical members of Parliament conscientiously representing the people in desire for national progress—a combination of earnest meut whose democratic instincts, honestly and ability can be relied upon. I do not look for perfection in politicians .any more than in any other class, but the times are so serious and the outlook so uncertain, that a much greater responsibility than ever before rests upon the electors to see Hint-the men to whom they entrust the management of their public affairs will in all tests and circumstances unflinchingly do their duty and thus do justice and credit fo the positions they are intended to occupy.

There will be great issues to be dealt with and settled during the period on which wo are entering, and many problems to be solved on which the prosperity of the country and happiness of the people for many years to come must depend. We cannot afford do make mist akes. Industry and energy must be maintained, and encouraged. There must be equal opportunities for all.

‘T hope that in many respects we shall profit by the lessons of the war, and learn from what has taken place that, as citizens of one country, we should, so to speak, be members of one family ready to help each other when assistance is required and when help can be given. States, like individuals, have their temptations and their times of doubt, and difficulty. LqL us hope that New Zealand will always choose the better pari and do the right thing in all circumstances. If we are to be successful in the conduct of our public affairs the interests of the country must come before party or personal advantage.” On the questions of parties, the future of the coalition, and the details of the work ahead of Parliament, the Prime Minister declined to express any opinion. He stated that while he had been kept in touch with 'the main facts of what had been occurring in the Dominion during his absence, he must assimilate a great mass of detail before he would be in a position to make any announcement. It would b£ necessary for him to meet the members of his party and get thoroughly into touch with the latest developments before he could say anything at all upon those points.