SOLVING THE POLITICAL PROBLEM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 162, 8 January 1912, Page 4

SOLVING THE POLITICAL PROBLEM.

The solving of the present-political problem is no easy matter. We notice that a section of the Press is seeking a solution in a coalition between the Opposition and the moderate section of the Government party. One thing is certain, that with the: present disposition of parties neither oa.n carry on for any length of time without resorting to intrigue or without ahother appeal to the electors, to both of which. alternatives there are serious objections. The Wairarapa Age, a 'bitter anti-Government journal, has-the following on the subject: "In the circumstances, there would be no loss of dignity or 1 prestige on the part of either -side to accept a reasonable compromise. If, as is suggested, Sir Joseph Ward were appointed High Commissioner, the way would be clear for Mr. Massey to become Prime Minister. Nothing short of this would, of course, be acceptable to the country. There seems no reason, however, why the Hon. J. A. Millar and the Hon. T. Mackenzie should not be retained in the Cabinet, providing always they would subordinate their views to the "will of the majority. The suggestion to fill the remainder of the Cabinet by ballot is impracticable. This could be done, how- ' ever, by arrangement between the two leaders. After all, there does not seem to be a "very marked' distinction between the aspirations of the-moderate .Liberals, led by Sir Joseph Ward, and those who are pledged to follow ; Mr. Massey. There aire representatives of rural constituencies on the Government side of the House whose views oh the important land question are almost identical with those of Mr. Massey. And, as this is easily the most momentous question which must engage the immediate attention .of Parliament, it would 'be a lamentable'thing if it were deferred' for an indefinite period through party exigencies. The next most important question is local government reform ,and upon this issue there is an already expressed sympathy between the leaders of the two parties. Reform of the Legislative Council and of the Civil Service could also be undertaken without sacrifice of principle on the part of a number of supporters of the present Government. The result of a coalition on the lines indicated would he a guarantee of stability of Government for a definite period, the elimination of the Socialistic element from the control of even a temporary Administration, 1 the better security for progressive Liberal legislation, and the definite assurance of immediate land and other reforms. It will, of course, be argued that a coalition was attempted in Australia with disastrous results. The circumstances, however, were entirely different. In the Commonwealth Parliament, prior to the coalition, Labor occupied a much stronger position than it does in New Zealand at the present time, while the Liberals had no definite policy of reform to offer. In New Zealand we have a Keforrn Party pledged to progressive measures, and a proportion of the Ward Party equally insistent upon legislation which will make for the more speedy development of our internal resources. If these two sections were to combine, a Government could be formed which could resist the machinations of the extremist and relieve the Dominion of the socialistic peril with which' it is now threatened. One would think that the proposal outlined above would appeal as readily to Mr. Massey as to Sir Joseph Ward, for While the latter is completely at the mercy of a small minority, the former is partially so, and while this condition obtains, legislation of a permanent and beneficial character is almost impossible. There is, moreover, no guarantee that another appeal to the electors would materially affect the, position of parties, and there is certainly no disposition on the part of the majority of members that public feeling should be further tested." Our opinion is that if the moderates of both parties coalesced a party would arise that could hold the political boards for years against the most strenuous opposition of the extremists the Labor-Socialists on the one side and the Conservative reactionaries on the other. Moreover, we believe that euch will be the advance and power of the Labor-Socialistic element that the model ates will eventually be driven to join hands with one another, as the moderates of divergent faith have been in most parts of Austrsifca during tie past few years from precisely the sam« cause.