The Issue at Oamaru.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17750, 30 April 1923, Page 8

The Issue at Oamaru.

In one of bio speeches on Saturday, the Hon. Mr Lee, the Reform candidate in the Oamaru by-election, (pointed out that a stable Government is necessary for New Zealand if the Dominion is to retain the high standing it has enjoyed for so long, and still enjoys, in London financial circles. Mr Maseey'a subsequent reminder that loans totalling-sixty.-ijix millions will Bhortly have to berenewed added point to Mr Lee's argument, for it is certain that if, when the time comes for financial operations of so extensive a oharacter to be undertaken, the administration of the country were not established on o thoroughly sound footing, they would be carried out with more difficulty and at greater cost than if Mr Massey were in possession of an assured majority.. We make no applogy ior emphasising this point, for the question at issue in the Cfemaru contest is whether this country is going to enjoy three years of capable progressive Government under Mr Massey's* leadership, or whether it is to experience a period of political uneasiness and unjest, with another general election ever looming in the near distance. In itself another election would be no misfortune, for it would assuredly result in an overwhelming victory for the Reform Party. But it would mean a certain amount of political turmoil and the disorganisation of 'business which always accompanies a general election, and in its present condition that is the last thing that the country wants. New Zealand's great need to-day is the opportunity to work out its economic salvation, undisturbed by attempts of the Liberal "diehaxds" and the Reds to upset the Government. Mr Lee's election will give the Government a majority sufficient for its needs, will enable it to present and carry through such a programme as might be impossible with a weaker majority, and it is for that reason, added to the fact that Mr Lee is a most useful member of the Reform Party, that his election to-mor-row is most desirable.