MR. HOLLAND AND THE FUTURE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 65, 18 March 1930, Page 6

MR. HOLLAND AND THE FUTURE.

There is nothing in Mr. Holland's recent address to his constituents more likely to win general approval than his assurance that " no one can with any certainty predict what will happen next session." But having disclaimed any intention of prophesying, Mr. Holland proceeds to , discourse in rather oracular fashion about the future. Apparently he regards the elevation of Labour to power as an extremely probable contingency. Of course, if Labour's vote of no-confidence is carried, in accordance with constitutional practice, it must be given the opportunity of forming a Government to succeed the Ward Cabinet. But has Mr. Holland forgotten that the United Party will be in a minority only if the Reformers combine with Labour to oust Sir Joseph Ward? Surely such an alliance has hardly come within the range of probability yet. But though Mr. Holland's vaticinations are not likely to be justified by the event, they should not be disregarded by those whom Labour hopes to supersede. Admittedly the United Party is much weakened by internal dissensions, and a great deal of public dissatisfaction is felt at the slow rate of progress that the Government has made on the administrative side, more especially in regard to land settlement. The moral of all this is plain enough for Sir J; Ward and his colleagues to read, mark, learn, and digest. Let the Unr >d Party close its ranks and consolidate its strength, and let the Government carry out its declared policy ou more vigorously progressive lines. If this is done speedily and energetically, Mr. Holland will need to wait even longer than " this year, next year, some time" for the fulfilment of his hopes. I