The Daily News. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1922. ALTERED WORLD POLITICS,

Taranaki Daily News, 27 February 1922, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1922. ALTERED WORLD POLITICS,

There is one phrase in the recent address given by Mr. Austen Chamberlain to the central council of the National Unionists in Britain, that stands out as a clearly defined principle which should be in operation throughout the Empire. After stating that he realised that many would suspect him of weakening in his political lai th and abandoning his old principles. Mr. Chamberlain courageously admitted that he was “adopting new policies to suit the new situation of the altered world.” Had such a statenst been made to a Conservative gathering before the war it would have been regarded as rank heresy, and Mr. Chamberlain might well have been considered to have slid back to the Radicalism wherewith his father was associated in the early days of his political career. He claimed, and rightly so, that the war had swept away party distinctions, and that many issues which had divided the parties sharply before the war had either been settled or had attained a larger measure of agreement than had been possible before that event. That attitude denotes sane and. progressive statesmanship—the recognition of the fact that when times and conditions alter, it is necessary to adapt old principles to new. to move with the times. Hence the announcement that at the next election here would be a distinct understanding between the Unionists and Mr. Lloyd George’s followers, who agreed with them on all the great principles affecting the Empire, such as maintaining national and Imperial strength. Mr. Chamberlain particularly stressed the imperative nature of the duty which devolved on all parties, in view of the present economic, financial and social difficulties, to resolve primarily on that unity whereby the war was won, and secondly, on co-opera-tion with all standing for the same fundamental principles. In effect this was a direct appeal to discard petty political party warfare and concentrate on essentials that made for rehabilitation, political and economical. There was one outstanding piece of advice given by Mr. Chamberlain which well might be acted upon throughout the Empire when general elections take place. “It would not,” he said, “be of advantage to the Conservatives and unionists to quarrel with the Coalition-Liber-als, for if they destroyed the latter’s chances in solne places they would destroy their own chances in man}' constituencies, which they could not hold or keep without the help of the Coalition-Liberals.” There ean be but. one meaning of that sage advice, namely, that the good of the country should be • placed before mere party advancement. The times we are passing through are of such a nature that it will need the utmost care and statesmanship to steer the ship of State clear of the rocks ahead. There is an urgent and insistent need for sanitv and safe business i methods in politics as in the ordiI nary affairs of existence; for drawing together in a common effort to overcome adverse conditions, to tide over difficulties, and to regain stability and prosperity, as well as to overcome the forces of i disruption and stand four square ’ to face temporary troubles. No more striking contrast could be presented than the recent, speech made by Mr. Chamberlain. No political or other party possesses a monopoly of administrative wis- : dom. The business of the representatives of the people is not, to create strife, but to advance the best interests of the country and its citizens on safe, sane, just and sympathetic lines, a course which cannot be followed by adopting the tactics of soap-box orators. There is a -woeful tendency to political self-glorification which is made to pass muster for politics. What is needed is co-operation for juutjjjl progress and solidarity.

We want “new politics to suit the new situation of an altered world/' If the present financial, economic, commercial, industrial and social difficulties are to be placed on a firm and just basis there must be a marked change in the methods of our leading public men, a larger measure of conciliatory tactics, and a complete recognition of the value of unity.