Page 4 Advertisements Column 5

Taranaki Daily News, 30 May 1918, Page 4

THE GREY ELECTION. While the result of the election at Greymtfuth, to fill the vacancy caused by Mr. P. C. Webb's compulsory withdrawal from public life for the time being, is of itself of no great importance, there arc matters connected with the affair that are worthy of attention, quite apart from the incidents with which P. C. Webb was specially concerned. The final figures of the election are sufficiently close to emphasise the fact that the successful candidate will represent only a few more than the moiety of the voters. That, of course, is not exceptional, but it shows that in war time the West Coast miners have set a deplorable example in making national aims subservient to Labor politics, for it is by their votes that the Labor candidate was elected. . All well affected citizens regard the present as a time for national effort and exemplary patriotism. There will be ample time and opportunity after the war to settle internal affairs satisfactorily, but at present it is the exercise of duty that is needed, and not class troubles. Mr. Holland's narrow victory has opened up visions of other seats to be gained, and a campaign is said to have been started for covering the Dominion with Labor agitators. Nothing more unseemly or antagonistic to the general good sense of the community could occur than such a campaign at this crisis in the Empire's history. We cannot but think that the general body of men in the ranks of Labor will, as their comrades in Britain have done, hold aloof from all steps that will hamper, instead of help, the Government and the nation in their war work. Miners especially should set a good example, for, owing to their vocation being regarded as essential, they have been exempted from the risks and danger of service at the front, and should, therefore, make up for the sacrifices of others by an exceptional loyalty to the Government and the nation. So far as the election itself is concerned, it would have been far more politic to have avoided a contest until the general election. The Government needs strengthening—not weakening—while Parliament has neither time nor inclination for internal controversies that can very well await the advent of peace. The Grey electorate may enjoy its notoriety, but it is one that any other electorate would much sooner not have—at least, it is to be hoped so.