The Temuka Leader TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1890. THE ELECTIONS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2135, 9 December 1890, Page 2

The Temuka Leader TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1890. THE ELECTIONS.

The elections are now over, and the Government has sustained a serious defeat. What the ultimate outcome will be it ia difficult to say. The great trouble is to formulate a policy that will satisfy Mr Ballance's followers. Amongst them are several who have no burning sympathy with the aspirations of the labor party, but as that party ia the strongest element ra the ranks of the Opposition it will insist on a consideration of its demands. The demands of labor are a change in the incidence of taxation from the property tax to a land and income tax, the cutting up of large estates by some as yet undefined means, the passing of the Labor Bills, and the establishment of courts of arbitration to settle disputes between capital and labor. The question is, Has Mr Ballance a compact majority in favor of a land and income tax ? That will put the first strain on the loyalty of his followers. Will he be able to carry it P If so, he may be able to weather through, but he will have to work with new men who have no experience of party warfare, nor probably debating power to back him up when occasion requires it. There are undoubtedly very able men amongst Mr Ballance's followers. Amongst these may be placed Messrs W". P. Reeves, Perceval, Hutchison (2), Steward, Seddon, McKenzie, and Fish. These are amongst the ablest debaters in Parliament, but we must admit that as a whole the widest experience, knowledge of politics and general ability is on the Government side. Still Mr Ballance will not have the slightest difficulty in forming a very able Ministry, and if his followers prove loyal to him be will undoubtedly be able to steer the Ship of State safely.

| CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT. The great question which seems to agitate public opinion at the present time is What ought the present Ministry to do ? They are beaten. Public opinion has decided against them. Ought they continue in office until next April when Parliament meets? We cannot see how there can be any two opinions about it. Their proper course is to call Parliament together at once and hand over the reins of government to Mr Ballance. borne are talking of a reconstruction with Messrs Uolleston and Bryce in the Ministry. What good would that do? Not the slightest. What is wanted is a change of party, a change of policy, a change in taxation, and no reconstruction of the Atkinsonian party will produce these results. The proper course is to call Parliament together, settle on who shall be our future rulers, then adjourn the House to give the new Ministers time to formulate their policy. No other course is possible unless the present Ministry insist on retaining office in defiance of public opinion.