PARTY POLITICS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 6, 7 May 1915, Page 4

PARTY POLITICS.

The Wellington Post expresses the view that the political position has changed much since last session, when members had a general election on their minds, and there was a certain' amount of miscellaneous business] which had to be done, and goes on to, say: Tin., year the "state of parties", bodes some unrest among the rivals for office, but we anticipate that the early days of the session will prove that the Government has a safe ten-: ure of the Treasury Benches. The Op.j position's duty to the public, then, will be to recognise the inevitable, ami to assist in the shaping of measures for the good of New Zealand and the Umpire, If the prospect of another election is definitely shifted to the year 1017, the members will have their minds and hearts clear and free for the national work next session, with prompt despatch, but if the House seems to .be constantly in the shadow of dissolution, the average member will not be able to resist, the temptation to make full use of all electioneering opportunities—and they are numerous. New Zealanders can hope heartily to be saved from a House swaying and tottering on a ridge between the parties. Much as the people would dislike the turmoil and nuisance of an election this year, many would prefer a "break-up" to a constant uncertainty, maintained by no-confidence motions. Such a condition of suspense would be very harmful to the country, and it would be more costly and vexatious eventuallyi than a General Election. However, The Post's belief is that, though the Opposition combine is strong enough to make the Government's position uncomfortable, the of the Ministry will not resort to guerilla methods, which may ultimately do more harm to the attackers than to the attacked, for in this time of national and Imperial stress the publicwill have no patience for petty political sniping. '