The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1922. CENTRE PARTY IN POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 March 1922, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1922. CENTRE PARTY IN POLITICS.

According to a recent cable from London, there appears to be something like a certainty that the present Coalition, which has served the country well in its crucial period, is approaching its end. It was only a matter of time when this manifestly temporary expedient should get out of gear and start to disrupt as a consequence of growing friction, but it has demonstrated in no uncertain manner what can be done when there is national unity. By force of circumstances it became imperative that there should be a joining of hands by the chief political parties in Britain, with the result that the conception of national unity became so much a part of the very fabric of political thought that there was a danger of forgetting, not merely that it had been attained by years of sacrifice, but that it was the measure of Britain’s strength and well doing. The preservation and strengthening of the unity of the Empire was one of the outstanding achievements of political unity, and the example might well have been followed in the industrial and social spheres, based on mutual sacrifice, mutual considerations, and mutual .sympathy. The aftermath of the war created a number of difficult problems which called for solution, and these were followed by other questions which tended to strain that political unity which had stood the test of the most intense crisis in the history of the Motherland, while the Irish problem recalled to prominence those differences which had in former years made a cleavage in parties that entirely re-shuffled the political cards. Since the time when there were but Whigs and Tories many changes have taken place, the most striking of which is the birth and development of the Labor Party. The Coalition has lasted far longer than was thought possible, but the signs of its dissolution are unmistakable. It is, therefore, interesting to note that what may be termed a pivotal, or Centre Party, is now ’likely to make its appearance. The statement that Mr. Lloyd. George and the Cabinet generally are convinced that such a Party should be created, carries much weight, but how the existing groups, or remnants of groups, will act in relation to such a Party can only be matter for conjecture at present. There can be no question it is desirable in the interests, of the whole Empire that, there should be a strong main Party in British polities, and it would be equally beneficial if. that course were adopted by the Dominions. The aim of the advocates of a Central Party is to bring about a sinking of small differences so as to obtain a strong, cohesive group of men possessing the best administrative abilities and initiative and animated with the desire to place country before party. No change is likely to be made until later in the year, as it seems to be agreed that the Irish troubles should be settled before a new Government is formed. It can readily be conceived that, after the immense, strain to which Mr. Lloyd George has been subjected, he would naturally look for a rest from his heavy tasks and responsibilities, so that should he decide to retire, such a step would occasion no surprise, yet it is to be hoped that he may be persuaded to remain in office, as he doubtless would if convinced that that course was in the best interests of his country and of the Empire. The idea of a Centre Party should find favor with all normal people, and It would certainly form a strong bulwark against the inroads of Labor and other extremists. Developments will be watched with interest.