THE NEW PARTY

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 443, 30 January 1933, Page 4

THE NEW PARTY

The news from Wellington that a new political party carrying the somewhat tattered standard of the old Liberals, is in the process of formation, is an interesting development in an already very complicated situation, but it is, nevertheless, one which might logically have been expected from the present trend of events. With the growing dissatisfaction against the Coalition, particularly in commercial circles, it has become increasingly apparent that the chief strength of the Government lies in the fact that in the event of an appeal to the country, no alternative is off ered to the large body of voters who are prepared to put up with a good deal rather than vote for Labour. Times of stress and trouble such as the present, are notoriously the happ'y hunting ground of the political -opportunist. We do not suggest that the new party may be described under this head, but its prospects of securing siipport | are undoubtedly greatly enhanced by the present dissatisfaction which is rife throughout the country. In fairness it mu'st be said that a proportion of this dissatisfaction is no fault of the Government, and would inevitably be visited upon any admin- ! istration unfortunate enough to be in power at a time like the present. On the other hand, after making all due allowances for ' the chaotic conditions of the , world' s markets and for other j circumstances outside of our conI trol, there is no doubt that New Zealand, under the Coalition Government, is lagging sadly in the struggie for economy recovery. The Government has been obliged to introduce very many unpopular measures since its assumption of office, but discounting these altogether, its failure to get to grips with the situation and to introduce some definite policy of rehabilitation has I aroused growing dissatisfaction among very many sections of the community which pinned their faith to the Coalition standard at the last general election. At that time the Government asked for an open cheque to deal witH the situation, but it has delayed so long in filling in the form that payment is likely tc be stopped when it is presented. The most glaring example of the inconsistency and lack of decision which has characterised the Government's attitude, has been the belated decision to peg the exchange rate. After definitely refusing to entertain this proposition the Government has now switched completely round and emerged as an enthusiastic apostle of the doctrine which it previously denounced. It is immaterial whether the arguments in f avour of the pegged exchange are justified or not. If the Government believed that the step which it has now taken off ered a solution, or even a palliative for the country's economic cfisorders, it should have taken that step months ago instead of dilly dallying through a session which produced very little more than discussion on a number of futile and superfluous measures which could have- well been relegated to the waste paper basket. The figures quoted by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance in support of their action in pegging the exchange are in themselves disturbing proof of the deplorable position into which the country is drifting, In the face of this decision, it is scarcely surprising that the dissatisfaction current both within the political parties in the House anc outside the House, has found its natural outlet -in the formation of new party. At present the political infant is very much in

its swaddling clothes and a great deal will depend upon the leadership which will be given the new party if it is to succeed. It is stated that the Hon. Downie Stewart has been approached in this connection, but in view of his long standing allegiance to the Reform cause, it is doubtful whether he will consent to lead a new party which would have as its avowed object the defeat of the administration to which he so recently belonged. There is no doubt that there is ample room in this country for a new party, but a new party which merely represents the malcontents of the existing organisation ' will find very little favour with the general electors. What is required is new blood, and new blood which brings with it vigour, enterprise and initiative. These qualities were never more necessary in the history of this Dominion than they are at present, and if the new party, whatever it may be and whatever it may be called, can bring these resources to its aid, it should offer the country an alternative which will be welcome. There are undoubtedly very stormy days ahead of the Coalition Government during the present session, and the appearance of this new political organisation with the possibilities which it offers of a serious split within the Government ranks will undoubtedly undermine the strength of the Coalition' s position.