The Bay of Plenty Times THURSDAY, APRIL 23rd, 1942 NO NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXX, Issue 13624, 23 April 1942, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Times THURSDAY, APRIL 23rd, 1942 NO NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

There is to be no National Government to prosecute the war and we are not so sure that that is a calamity or that it will make any material difference to the conduct of the war, or the ultimate result of it. The Federation of Labour at its Easter Conference in Wellington declined to fall in with the suggestion of the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Holland, to form a National Government, and passed a resolution to that effect. This ends the chapter on National Government, and the loose talk about unity, and relieves the parties of any interim pact or understanding that may have existed between them. And the members of the Opposition are now to criticise the Government to the extent that they think lit. The Federation of Labour also indicated that a general election would be held at the close of the year, that is in about six or seven months time. In view of this a National Government for the short period would scarcely be worthwhile. At the general election the sovereign people will have the opportunity of expressing their opinion whether the Labour Government has served the country in a manner to give general satisfaction. It is the voice of the people that must decide the matter and not any political parties. In view of the general election we may expect to see political activity increase in intensity the nearer we get to the day of the election. Some may think that this will be a disturbing factor, and in some mysterious way affect the war situation, but this, of course, is foolish. The conduct of the war is not in our hands. We are just a pawn on the war chess board. It is true that we must help, and we are helping in no small way. Perhaps before the general election is held, the last battle of the Avar will have been fought, and won and lost, and the Government that comes in after the election would then have new problems to solve, problems in' economies. There seems to be a consensus of opinion that the war will be brought to a close this year, at all events the preparations of the Allies appear to have that end in view. The Axis Powers also seem anxious to finish the war this year and their preparations, are directed to that end. Spring has come to Europe, and so theTongexpected spring offensive must soon become a reality. It is tragic to think that with the spring and the cheering note of green leaves heralding a new season, when mother earth will be yielding of her best for the sustenance of man, the nations should be planning to let loose rivers of blood. It is tragic, but helpless man can see nothing else for it. However, if the Avar is ended this year it will be an occasion for profound thankfulness throughout the world.

The war is not without its lessons for us. It should, and does, make us realise our shortcomings, and our departure from the decent ways of living. We appear to have lost all sense of spiritual values, there is dishonesty in every walk of life, and the war has shown that it is rather pronounced in our political life. Politics are saturated with hypocrisy and corruption and that applies to politics in every country. The war has shown that we must take strong measures to clean up the world's politics and its diplomacy. It is clear also that party politics are harmful to a country rather than beneficial. Party politics spell political warfare, and therefore all the tricks of a real war are incorporated in it. No country is getting value for the price it pays for being governed. That probably arises from the fact that those who aspire to govern a country do not know the least thing about the duties of a government. It is becoming the rule to look upon the people as a source of revenue, to be taxed to the limit so that the proceeds may be spent by irresponsible people without regard to consequences. There is also a tendency to deprive the people of their right of initiative. There must be a change and Ave believe the change will come.