The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. SATURDAY, JULY 6, 1884.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4833, 5 July 1884, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. SATURDAY, JULY 6, 1884.

" Wanted, a policy," seems to be\ the placard which contending parties in the present parliamentary straggle should hang upon their outward walls. A Ministry, certainly long in office, has come and has, rirtnally, gone; yet, wonder is, why P No question of policy appenrs to hare entered into the contest. No matter of general interest (seems to have been involved. A desire to occnpy the Treasury benches by certain legislators ; and on the part of others, a wish.to partake of the benefits to be derired from supporting a Government, seem to have prompted those who took part in the recent upsettal of the Atkinson Ministry. No matter of policy was called in question to aid the result arrived at. We certainly hare no desire to abuse the Government party, although they bare ignored our wants, and hare seemingly forgotten that Thames in* terests have ever been existent, or should be helped or encouraged; yet we are somewhat sceptical as to the amount of good our district would derive were the tables to be reversed. In previous issues we endeavored to point out probable advantages from Coalition, and when we peruse the names of candidates for legislative honors, and canvass their chances of success in the coming election, we are more 'than ever inclined to the belief that a stronger Ministry—and one that will command a large following—can be formed in the new House than we have had for years. Such names .as those ot Vogel, Stout, Kichardson, Ballance, Atkinson, and others of experience in matters governmental might with advantage to the colony be joined in an administration which would be of some benefit to .the colony. There are really no' party lines drawn in the present parliament from a political point of view. In times past, parties were formed on all-engrossing subjects, and so broad and liberal have Wen the views taken by the representatives of the people, the feelings engendered in the past have been transmitted from parliament to parliament until the personnel of the governing body seems to be the lines upon which Parliaments act. Seeing that such a state of things is existent, and recognising the fact that no matter of colonial importance is involved, it would be as well for tbe electors to exercise their privilege! in one direction, via., doing that whioh will benefit their own district.' It seems a selfish policy to advocate, but it is certainly a sensible one. Politicians of the day forget the broad questions which should occupy their minds; representatives indulge in the race Jot \whenever a Treasury ( scramble takes place; and why, we ask, ihould not tbe peojpleemulate fhe exam* i

pie held oat to them by their representatives,- if only in self-defence. We have met with little assistance from colonial

funds in carrying out necessary works, and it is therefore time we lost sight of the various "isms" so often thrown at ur by interested persons, and went in for our own particular '* isms/