The Press Thursday, December 7, 1922. The Issue.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17631, 7 December 1922, Page 6

The Press Thursday, December 7, 1922. The Issue.

' The issue before the electors to-day has been very thoroughly discussed since the election campaign began, and ! it ought to be thoroughly understood by everyone. It is put once more with point and brevity by Mr Massey in ; his final manifesto, to which there could bo no better footnote than the curious statement issued by Mr Wilford. The Prime Minister comes before the people ■with a fine record and a policy, and as the champion of that sane progressivism which the country needs at a time when it is rapidly emerging from the storms and clouds of the world-wide depression into the sunshine of prosperity. He stands for the majority of moderate men against the menace of revolutionary Socialism with 'which his opponents are hoping for an effective j and triumphant alliance. He has carried a heavy burden for a decade, and has steered the country safely through terrible difficulties. And what does Mr Wilford say? Has he a policy to offer? Has he a record whieh inspires confidence? Has he a party which possesses ideals, character, or even men of ability? Has lie any claim upon the nation's goodwill? To every one of these questions the answer is certainly, No. His manifesto is nothing but a short iinal cry that "Reform has bcon found out," and a characteristically impudent declaration that he is actually receiving "hourly" communications predicting increased support for the Liberals. This second-rate talk will deceive nobody. The most conspicuous feature of Mr Wilford's manifesto is his shrinking, even in the eleventh hour of desperation, to claim that his party will secure the nation's confidence. He expects no than that lie may manage to obtain a majority with the assistance of the Reds. We confidently I expect the nation to declare as cmI pliatically as it did three years ago that it has no use for the Liberal Party and no thought of-entrusting tts for-, tunes to anyone but the present Prime Minister.