The Taihape Daily Times AND WAIMARINO ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1914. THE POLITICAL DILEMMA.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 96, 23 December 1914, Page 4

The Taihape Daily Times AND WAIMARINO ADVOCATE.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1914. THE POLITICAL DILEMMA.

(With which is incorporated The Taihape Post 0.03 Waimarino News.)

j The political situation is no more clearly defined than it was when the official returns of the elections were just made public. On the contrary, it seems to be thickening and assuming a more surprising aspect as parties more correctly realise their respective strengths. It is possible the most unexpected may happen, although at present it seems another election is inevitable; still, undercurrents are working and soundings are being made towards the attainment of some end, but to indicate what that end definitely is would need a power of discernment bordering on the prescience of a prophet. So many strange things have happened in politics that the public equanimity is not likely to be disturbed whatever the ultimate of this political scramble may be. The ejections just over were conducted with an unparalleled bitterness, improper motives being liberally ascribed, and even character was liberally besmirched, and yet it is seriously urged that incompatibles should mix. Even at this time the greatest of insults arc being broadcasted. While a coalition between Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward is seriously being discussed and urged by such journals as the Dominion and the Evening Post, baits are being dangled before men who have been regarded as being on the very top-rung of personal and political honour. Outrages of this kind will, of course, excite some emotions of resentment, even in those who have the least esteem for virtue. It is true that at particular times the best of men forget their principles, but never.to the extent that leading journals have outspokenly suggested the member for Auckland East should do a man whose character ought to be safe from any such suspicions. In the present circumstances it is utter nonsense to say that leaders of political parties unite to form a government, even of a temporary character. The urgency for any such necessity was threshed out and decided upon before Parliament was dissolved. When it was urged that the Government should remain in office, and that the elections should take place when matters pertaining to the war were less pressing, the idea was peremptorily scouted. It cannot, therefore, now be claimed that the position here and in Great Britain have any parallel. Parties went to the country with too little policy, but with a multitudinous mass of aspersion, invee tive, inuendo and bitterness, and the people have said they believe one side just as much as they do the other. Now an honourable ar-rangement-is talked about, which in reality is a mere floundering and groping for time to discover some way out of the dilemma Can anyone say what would constitute am honourable arrangement ?' Any course that involves on b im-1

if\ y(. kTv Ufl <*', < *i. ; •himsMt'to votW’ffgaiiist one side ov the other; arc these pledges pure humbug, to be east aside when an honourable arrangement needs to.be made to save somebody’s skin ? Recounts have been demanded wherever it is thought any alteration may result, but with all proposals and suggestions. parties seem to he so irr? eoiieilable, and 1o lie composed of such utterly incompatible elements that at present another general election seems to be the only solution of the difficulty.