OPINION IN DUNEDIN.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 199, 22 August 1919, Page 9

OPINION IN DUNEDIN.

SIB. JOSEPH WARD'S ACTION APPROVED. THE REASONS FOR A COALITION ENDED. {By Telegraph.—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, this day. The "Otago Daily Times" does not think Mr. Massey can complain of not receiving more notice, as the development has been perfectly natural and reasonable. The dissolution of parties during 'the session would have been attended by practical inconvenience, which an experienced politician like Sir Joseph | Ward was desirous of avoiding. The "Times" does not anticipate a renewal of the party conflicts of pre-war days, and agrees with Mr. Massey's view that the present needs of the country require the co-operation of the ablest and strongest intellects of the Dominion in formulating and prosecuting a policysuited to the. transition period. This may take the entire attention i-f the next two Parliaments. Mr. Massey should have time to prepare for the business of the ensuing session. The "Times" concludes that the National Government's war efforts have been notably successful in attaining ends for which the coalition was formed. The "Star" says only the war created the National Government, and peace inevitably dissolved it. The mode of dissolution has been somewhat abrupt, but occasions no surprise, while the country will welcome it with relief. Tt is not an occasion to shed crocodile tears over an alliance which served one purpose only. In all other respects it failed even to grapple with problems within the Dominion, especially as regards cost of living and profiteering. The country will expect a short session with essential business, now necessarily formal, carried out with at least some semblance of political decency.