MR. BEEBY’S WIN

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8338, 25 January 1913, Page 4

MR. BEEBY’S WIN

Mr Bceby’s re-election to the New Wales Legislative Assembly by the Blayney constituency will fall like a cold douche upon people supporting the reactionary element in politics. Not only in tho State primarily concerned, but further afield—even to some extent in Now Zealand—tho result of the voting will be far from welcome in Conservative circles. In the Labour camp feelings will be somewhat mixed. Those whole-hoggers who believe in the system of caucus rule that has developed in Australia will probably be disconcerted, .for that method certainly stands condemned to whatever extent the Blayney polling may be accepted as a , udgment. Mr Beeby objected to the absolute domination of tho caucus. He challenged the right of tho Trades Council (tho equivalent to tho Labour caucus across the water) to order his every political act and become tho keeper of his conscience. So Mr Bee by declared his independence, sacrificed Ministerial rank, and staked his political existence on the issue. With a “Liberal” against him on one side and a Labourite on tho other, tho Independent’s chance of recapturing the forfeited seat did not look too promising. Probably he would have lost but for one significant factor in the struggle. That is, the altered character of what is now labelled “Liberalism” in Australia compared with what it was a few years ago. Unfortunately tho Liberal parties in the greater part of the Commonwealth have very largely lost their reputation by consorting with the Tories. Reactionary Conservatives and timid Liberals have “fused,” and the fusion is not popular with the electors. In the wider field of Federal politics the opinion of tho constituencies on the Deakin-Cook amalgamation was very plainly demonstrated at the first time of ask-

and events are justifying the view taken by the public of that unfortunate transaction. The result to-day is that the Liberals are asked to follow Mr Cook, tho Conservative. As to the Blayney election, its lesson seems to be that the public would readily respond to a restoration of the old order under which candidates wore their rightful labels. What is termed the “Liberal” party in New South Wales is always open to the gravest nspicion for the very excellent reason that the exigencies of party politics have led it to join hands with all that 'is reactionary in the public life of the State. There is a. good dead of hostility to tho present Labour element, with its inadequate regard for the best traditions of constitutional government, but that does not make electors turn joyfully to the weariness of a Wade regime. So far as Blayney may be taken as a guide, tho popular choice lies between tho two—in the direction of a real live, progressive Liberalism.