WHERE'S THE GOOD OF IT?

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 32, 8 October 1913, Page 4

WHERE'S THE GOOD OF IT?

There is only one way by which a Government can thoroughly please an Opposition, and that is by being defeated, is the opinion expressed by Wellington "Post," and in support of-this view it says: It was thus with the Massey Opposition, the Ward Opposition ; all Oppositions are the same Opposition in that sense; their tunc-; tion is to oppose, on sound ground if it exists, and on any other ground, j An Opposition recks not whether it is wise or foolish to butt against a particular proposal. The impulse is to rush in and discover later whether the impetuosity is beneficial or injurious to the charging-brigade. -Therefore to any Opposition any Government is a poli t ical monstrosity—simultaneously fat and lean, tall and snort, toothless and fanged, tyrannous and timid, holding back business and rushing it. This session the Opposition has done more than a full share of talking, and growls now at the inevitable penalty —Monday sittings. Sir Joseph Ward took the unoriginal line of protesting, but the Premier was able to quote precedents that pushed the Opposition's Leader completely out of court. Yet it was by precedent—a fetish of politicians and lawyers—that Sir Joseph Ward protested. His voice was an echo of Mr Masscy's from the years that liave gone, but why is it so, hastily assumed that the previous Opposition affords always the best model for present -tactics? Is there' no 'other, strategy ? Is] invention dead ?'' Is" ingenuity'monopolised'under patent? It is' depressing to find the hew Opposition such a faithful copy of the : least admirable features of the predecessor. If it would imitate the studious habits of soma members of that Opposition. and thus offer a respectable criticism of the Government's policy, the country would have cause for Thankfulness instead of exasperation at mere timewasting. ; ''."-» .''-/I -'• ?," • 'M*».q«"'Vl