The Waikato Times. TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1937. THE POLITICAL ARENA.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20280, 24 August 1937, Page 6

The Waikato Times. TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1937. THE POLITICAL ARENA.

The second session of Parliament is regarded as the -working session. In the first the new members have to become accustomed to the rules and standing orders of the House, and in the final session the approaching election usually overshadows the discussions. As a rule the political parties become increasingly active in the recess prior to the opening of the third session, but it is not generally expected that there will be much political work in the interval between the first and second sessions. This year has been an exception marked by the activity of members and supporters of the National Party in the electorates. Members of Parliament have made extensive tours, addressing meetings in all parts of the country, and others prominent in party circles have assisted. People of all shades of political opinion will welcome this development. For one thing the meetings help to maintain an alert interest in things political, and that is most desirable.

The one power capable of keeping any Government up to the mark, and of influencing the trend of legislation, is an alert and wellinformed public opinion. Apathy is the most dreaded enemy in national and local affairs, and efforts to place political views before the people, the exercise of the right of free criticism, and the clash of opinions, all tend to stimulate interest. It is evident that the leader of the National Party realises the need for series of meetings where political issues can be discussed, and the members kept in touch with the development of political thought. These things are a necessary accompaniment to the work of party organisation, and the Waikato has had more than one speaker sent here for that purpose. The time is opportune, for the Government is about to set out on the second stage of its political programme, and it is advisable to have the effects of the first legislative crop closely examined. What were to a large extent political theories must be judged on the hard basis of fact.

The continued visits made by the members of the Ministry—and they have all been very energetic —have certainly been a factor in maintaining public interest. Some Ministers have been most candid on occasion when meeting deputations or replying to official welcomes, and others have taken the opportunity offered by a conference to deal with matters of public importance. These are among the advantages enjoyed by whoever happens to hold office for the time being, and it becomes the duty of those in opposition to arrange for their views to be placed before the people. The safety and stability of a democracy depend on it being an educated democracy—educated politically and in other ways—and when public meetings create interest, and a speaker is given an attentive hearing, then the work of education is forwarded. It is a poor policy that cannot stand criticism, a weak political faith that fears comparisons. One effect of the efforts that have been made during the recess is the widespread interest that is being displayed in the approach of another session. The eyes of the community will be on the Parliament of the land. It would bo an unfortunate thing if what are national affairs were unable to command the interest of the people.