THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 December 1922, Page 12

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

THE SUGGESTED COALITION, Writes “Watchdog,” Rahotu, under date December 16.: Sir, —A considerable section of the press seems to be obsessed with the idea of a coalition of the Reform and Liberal Parties, on the grounds that that is the only way to save the government of the country from being controlled by extreme Labour.

This seems a very superficial and short-sighted conception, and I certainly think the leading article which appeared in Friday’s issue of tne rainy News, sets out the broader view, and the clear position of the situation, and the indication of the dangers ahead should be a very timely warning to those influenced by expediency. The position of the Reform Party today is undoubtedly largely due to tneir presuming on too large a majonty, and on the lack of an effective Opposition. Certain legislative measures have been passed and others attempted that would never have been introduced had there been a strong Opposition. These and other things have consciously and unconsciously influenced the general body of electors, and especially those in touch with business and financial matters, with the result that they conceived it was in the interests of the country that the tendency of the Government to run wild must be enecKed.

That the clipping of the Government's over-large majority has been overdone, while proving how general the feeling that a lesson had to be taught, is without doubt due to some special causes, such as the attempt to force on the producers the Dairy Control Bill, an act after the heart of the most extreme Socialists or Bolsheviks. The attempt and the circumstances attending its promotion, and the gross treatment meted out to those opposing it, lost the Government many thousands of votes. Not only were one or two seats actually lost, but at least one for certain, if not more, would have been gained by Reform from the other side, but for the circumstances attending this measure.

The only reasonable course now is for another election to be held as early as possible, with the hope and good prospect that the Government will come back with a reasonable working majority, but also that there will be a strong opposition. Any attempt at a coalition will undoubtedly tend to place Labour as the recognised Opposition, Had leave the country with no alternative but a Labour Government to replace the present, when its course is run, which, in the nature of things, cannot be at the most more than a few years off. History of our democratic system of Givernment makes it clear that an alternation of Government, or, rather of parties, is essential. AND 30 YEARS AGO. WHEN MR. JOHN BALLANCE TOOK OFFICE. In connection with the peculiar political situation which has arisen, the Wanganui Herald recalls a somewhat similar happening 32 years ago, when Mr. John Ballance defeated Sir Harry Atkinson in 1890. Prior to the 1890 election Sir Harry Atkinson had given a promise that if defeated at the polls he would “act in a constitutional way.” An agreement between the parties was drawn up and signed by the leaders. One clause of the agreement ran: “It is fully recognised that the constitutional practice requires that the result of the general election, if clearly apparent, should regulate the conduct of Ministers i*n retaining office or tendering their resignation.”

The object of the parties in thus agreeing was to prevent two sessions being held in one year, and the immediate resignation of the Ministry in the case of defeat was to prevent holding of an extra session. Though the result of the elections showed a majority for Mr. Ballance. Sir Harry refused to resign, contending that the returns did not show clearly that the Opposition had a working majority, or that all of the Opposition wore followers of Mr. Ballance. Ho. therefore, under strong protest from Mr. Ballance, who contended that such a course was unconstitutional and a breach of the agreement entered into, decided to call his Ministers together, and discuss the matter with them and then assemble Parliament. About seven weeks later. Parliament met. being opened by Commission. The opening formalities having been disposed of the House proceeded to elect a Speaker. The Atkinson Government proposed Mr. Rolleston, and the Opposition Sir Maurice O’Rorke, The latter was elected by a majority

of seven. Immediately following this test of strength of the parties, in which it is interesting to note Sir Harry Atkinson himself did not vote, having ir the meantime called himself to the Legislative Council, the Hon. Edwin Mitehelson announced that Sir Harry Atkinson had tendered the Ministry’s re-

signation to the Government. Mr. Ballance was thereupon sent for by His Excellency, and formed a Ministry, whose programme was the foundation upon which was based all the legislation of the period 1899-1911.