Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1023. POLITICS, PARTIES AND PRINCIPLES.
WHERE STANDS NEW ZEALAND? THAT the preseni political situation is bv no means satisfactory is an opinion we hear expressed in' many directions and by. representative individuals of various sections. Business people are possessed of a feeling of unrest on the score that they do not know what legislative principles may be applied, next, or how far such may go in detrimentally affecting their business plans and operations. Tt has been the same for some time relating to the industries of New Zealand. The existence of three parties in Parliament with talk outside of creating a country party, which would further complicate matters and bring just a little more confusion, is certainly disturbing to those who are thinking of New Zealand before party and wish for stability in the general interests 'v>f our people. There is an urgent requirement for the application of a formula enunciated in America, of “more business in politics and less politics (we should say, much less) in business.’’
LAST Session of Parliament showed us an exhibition of balaneing berween the contending forces which does not make for public confidence. The margin of security for the. Government has, we fear, the cflcet of forcing it, under pressure from outside sectional interests, to the adoption of proposals in the way of. State interference with trade and industry, the soundness of which, in principle, the Government leaders may have grave doubts about. We had understood Mr Massey, as head of the Government, to affirm sometime ago, that there should he a calling off from State interference with business, yet last Session gave us examples of such interference, the principles of which are very far reaching. It is said “what will a party not do for its life?” and that applies to all parties. The narrow margin between our New Zealand parties makes them all more or less uncertain and establishes strong temptation to adopt lines of facile opportunism; thus letting principles and the future take care of themselvesl
THIS state of tilings cannot work out otherwise than to the injury of the country and therefore we urge strongly-the need for review of the whole situation by the men in Parliament and the people outside. The country should have a clear and definite statement from each of the parties of the principles upon which they take their stand and the policy they will pledge themselves to uphold. Too much is being left to chance, the force of temporary circumstances and that unfailing vir’tue of the politician —his desire to please at the time. At present the Socialist Labour Party, leader and
henchman, are touring the country stating their ease for support, and incidentally watering down their Red doctrines to suit the popular taste. Mlhether there is to he an election next year or not the people of the country, we believe, would welcome pronouncements from the platform from Reform and Liberal speakers. Viewing the existent parties ns far as possible without bias, we are impressed with the conviction that there arc able men of a practical turn of mind in both the Liberal and Reform parlies whose political principles are virtually (he same, and whose differences are on very minor factors. There are, we affirm, men of both parties who on Imperial, National and local questions take much the same ground. The. matter is one of surprise to many that these men should he divided by party lines.
IN view of the present instability a search should be made of the possibilities of amalgamating the sound progressive and patriotic forces in these two parties both in the House and in the country. We are not here suggesting any coalition of parties. A mere temporary expedient, such as coalitions generally prove, is not what is wanted. That the politicians who place New Zealand and the Empire fust, who uphold the principles of freedom in trade and industry, the exercise of wise economy in State affairs and the exercise of sane humanity in the treatment of social problems should come together and form a strong national,..progressive party is, we know, always a, difficult matter for adjustment in polities. To secure greater stability than we have at, present and a sounder basis of principle in our political life may require some personal sacrifice. These things are not beyond settlement. Once convinced that it is for the good of our country, a give-and-take policy of adjustment can solve difficulties which loom very large because they Pave never been faced with the will to overcome them. That change must corners, we think, inevitable, that it should come by way of reasoned thought rather than by force of fortuitous circumstances is most desirable.
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Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2649, 23 October 1923, Page 2
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788Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1023. POLITICS, PARTIES AND PRINCIPLES. Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2649, 23 October 1923, Page 2
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