The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1922. BRITISH POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1922, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1922. BRITISH POLITICS.

That a grave political crisis has arisen in Britain at a time when unity is of paramount importance strongly emphasises the danger that is always present where party shibboleths are enshrined as deities that must brook no rivals. No country in the world has such a mountain of difficulties to contend with at the present time as Britain, not only with regard to her immediate internal affairs, but also with Ireland, India, Egypt, Russia, the East, and almost in every part of the globe. The war necessitated a Coalition Government in order that the nation

might present a united front. The aftermath of that struggle made unity equally imperative. Force of circumstances compelled party schisms to cease, for the most part, but the Irish question once more awoke the party spirit, especially among a section of “diehards” who are incapable of taking that breadth of view which the problems of the time call for. Unfortunately, a section of the Press has fanned the smouldering embers of the party system and entered upon a campaign of hostility to the great central fig.ure who has brought the Motherland through the greatset and most trying ordeal to which any country could be subjected. In the movement which has been organised to drive Mr. Lloyd George from office is to be found a danger to the whole Empire. No one can read the speech delivered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain at Oxford last week without being forcibly struck with the complete sin gleness of purpose which has actuated the Prime Minister throughout the period he has held that responsible office. He did not seek the Premiership; he would have cheerfully and loyally served under either Mr. Balfour or Mr. Bonar Law, his sole aim and hope being to be of service in the hour of his country’s great need. That hour has not yet passed; the country still looks to him for guidance, notwithstanding that the Unionists’ party agents-—possibly to justify their existence—have advised the chair-

man of the party (Sir George Younger) that there is a revolt among the Conservatives throughout the country, coupled with a demand for a return to party distinctions. Such a demand is like the yapping of terriers at a dignified St. Bernard, who has been specially selected to safeguard most valuable property and interests, and though quite willing to retire when requested so to do by the proper authority, remains at his post in spite of the irritation to which he is subjected by the

pack of strife-raisers. There is no half-heartedness on the part of the Unionist and Conservative leaders. They have impressed on Mr. Lloyd George that the inter-

ests of the country would be retarded and not advanced by his 3 'signation, which would be followed by their own. The duties, worries and anxieties of the position constitute a severe tax on the Prime Minister, so that if he is to remain at the helm, there must be thorough loyalty and discipline in the ranks of the parties which comprise the Coalition. When speaking at Loughborough last week, presumably, on the prospects of a general election, Mr. Winston Churchill expressed the opinion that there was going to be a considerable battle, but he hoped that wisdom would prevail, and that the Coalition parties would enter the battle under

trusted leaders against the growing peril of Communism. More important still, he looked forward

to the time when the Coalition would become a strong, united and permanent national party. Whatever may be the advantages or disadvantages of a fusion of political parties, there can be no question that what every country needs just now is a strong National party that subordinates all other, considerations to that of the welfare of the nation and its neople.

THE TARANAKI SHOW. To-day, the forty-seventh annual show of the Taranaki Metropolitan Agricultural Society opens at the spacious and well-equipped grounds at the Waiwakaiho. The event is one that should be of much interest to all classes of residents in the district—and beyond—but particularly to the farming community. The main object of this and kindred organisations is to stimulate efforte to the attainment of higher standards, also to help and encourage, as far as lies in their power, that friendly rivalry which is the backbone of progressive success. Moreover, these annual fixtures serve to emphasise the connection between the producers and consumers, there being classes of exhibits for both, and the programme is invariably arranged so as to offer ample inducements ‘for the attendance oi the public, thus 'esta/blishing a community of interest which otherwise would not be possible. It is one of those gatherings which call for universal patronage, not only because it serves an excellent purpose, but mainly for the reason that it has a direct bearing on the progress and prosperity of the district. During the discussion, with reference to the formation of a meat pool, reference was made to the necessity which exists for exporting only the very best of our produce That is the only way to capture and retain markets which yield the Ibest return?. The work of the Society is particularly directed towards persistent improvement in order to attain the highest grade of perfection, hence its claim to general support. The attractions and exhibits are so varied that theie is plenty to please all patrons. It may, therfore, be expected that this year’s show will mark yet another record success in the history of the Society.