Sir Joe's Pie

NZ Truth, Issue 1200, 29 November 1928, Page 6

Sir Joe's Pie

TN dealing with the political situation, of the country, past and present, the daily Press has provided some interesting reading, if only from a comparative point of view. But m trying to air their horoscopic talent they have failed to take into calculation the fact that "nothing is so uncertain as the minds of the multitude." For haying the temerity to place a party m the field m opposition to -the one that guides their policy, several southern papers, among others, have roundly condemned United followers. Among pre-election criticism, can be found: " . . . Owing to the perverseness of some politically backward relics of the old Liberal party, ther,e is a possibility m a few electorates that the moderate majority may be so divided that a representative of the Socialist minority will slip m between Reform and United party candidates. ' ' And again: "It is quite clear that the reconstructed Liberal party has failed to impress itself upon the public mind as a more practicable alternative to the party now m power." "Which, all goes to show the impossibility of trying to' gauge the "minds of the multitude.' 5 ■ With politicians, however, it is somewhat different. Much ink has been spilled on countless forecasts of Avhat the ultimate way out m the present political deadlock will be. Parliament assembles-* on' December 4, when the Government will be defeated. . It will be interesting to note how many Reformers go over to the other side, for it will be necessary for Sir Joseph Ward efficiently to carry on the business of the country, to have at least another ten supporters. When Parliament re-assembles after a further adjournment and the United Party leader opens his Christmas Pie, there will arise the foolish, and unnecessary position of a Government and an Opposition, almost akin m principles and policy, being at loggerheads. Not here the "minds of the multitude," but the mind of , the politician, circling round one given pomt — power ! The folly of the pernicious three-party government will be seen m all its absurdity. Getting- down to bedrock, the bald fact remains and that is there are only two parties — the party that represents sane and rational government, and the one which waves the flag of Socialism. Among the Reform and United Liberals elected to the House, some excellent talent is manifest and from the twp parties a sound and stable government could be •winnowed. j What is wrong with a sound Nation- ' al party versus the Labor party? A union is possible and desirable from ' every point of view. "Back to the country" would be costly, but it would be more desirable and a bewildered publio would secure that representation they desire. Then would political jousts m this country, for a time at least, provide the exception to the adagre that "nothiner is so uncertain as the minds of the multitude."