POLITICAL POSITION

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 115, 19 May 1925, Page 8

POLITICAL POSITION

REFORM CAUCUS

QUESTION OF LEADERSHIP

THE NEW PARTY ISSUE.

Until the caucus of the Reform Party takes place to-morrow week, the flood of speculation as to the choice of the party leadership" will no doubt swell in volume. At the moment there is a feeling among influential members of the Reform Party that Mr. W. Downie Stewart's state of health will preclude him from being able to accept the leadership of the party, and, possibly, of the country, for some little time to come at least. It is by no means certain yet whether Mr. Stewart will be here_ even in time for the session, which will open probably- on 25th June, and that is a further factor which may determine the attitude of members of the party when the whole position 13 put before them at the caucus.

The Christchurch "Sun" last night declared that Mr. Stewart had advised his colleagues by cablegram from the United States not to consider him at all for the office of Prime Minister, but a representative of "The Post" was authoritatively informed this afternoon that Mr. Stewart had done nothing of the kind.

PRESS COMMENT.

While tbo Reform Party is busily preparing for the task 1 of selecting its leader there is a good deal of discussion going on throughout the country on the possibility of bringing the best elements in -the Liberal and Reform parties together in a new party committed to a sound and progressive policy which will advance the interests of the Dominion.

The "Lyttelton Times" (Liberal) says that "while the politicians may be talking of persons the people in general are assuredly not thinking of individuals. From the public point of view the important question is not whether Mr. Doiyiiie Stewart or Mr. Coates or Mr. M'Leod is to be the next Prime Minister. It is whether advantage is or is not to be taken o£ the present opportunity to unite in one party all men of Liberal leanings and sane, progressive ideas. Two difficulties present themselves, the first being the political ambitions of individuals and the second being the hope, or the belief, held by both Reformers and Liberals that the next appeal to the constituencies will give them a working majority. The Reformers, doubtless, argue that under a now leader, with a new programme, they will be able to strengthen their position in the country and in Parliament, while the Liberals believe that the accession of votes that came to them at the last elections will be confirmed and increased this year! These considerations, however, are really of secondai-y importance. No student of affairs really thinks that any one party can secure a. working majority under present conditions. Li less critical times no great harm would be done by permitting the triangular contest to proceed, but it must be obvious to everyone that tho drift of the last few years has not been for the good of the Dominion. We need a Government secure enougli and strong enough to carry out a firm policy on Liberal lines, to put the firiances_ of the Dominion in order by the exercise, in the first place, of rigid economy in administration, and to free industry and commerce from the restrictions that have been imposed on them. The movement for union ought to come from within the parties, but if the party leaders do not take the initiative the public must take a hand. The feelin" in favour of union is universal."

The- "Auckland Star" considers that it is very pleasing to see that Mr. Loatess claim is freely acknowledged in the South,, including Dunedin, which is Mr. Stewart's, town. Mr. Coates is sometimes, but not often, accused of favouring his own part of New Zealand, the Auckland province, but it is clear from the way his candidature for the leadership has been received, not to mention previous- comment, that he has made a reputation for courageous and honest .administration throughout New Zealand. Wo hope that this broad-minded spirit will bo maintained, and that geographical considerations will . not enter into the choice of the leader. or. tho reception of that choice-by tho country. Our own view is that wero it not for Mr. Stewart's physical disabilities, he would bo the better man, ar.d we may second the 'Evening Post's' comment that 'it is cruel that to the/heavy price in suffering which his patriotic service at the front has already exacted should be added the denial of the politician's highest reward when everybody agrees that on the merits his claim is beyond dispute.^ (Mr. Stewart may say in reply to this that he is lucßy to have been spared to serve his country to the extent of being a Minister fo t some years.) As . lhe Post' observes, however, to ask Mr. Stewart to take the Premiership might add to the cruelty. It might be unfair to Mr. Stewart himself, and to the conntry,. Whether he will be fit to take ths office, which involves work that is liable to wear out the strongest man, will depend upon the effect of the treatment he is now receiving, and this may not be known for some tinin."

Discussing Mr. H. Atmore's plea for the establishment of a National Party iv a. spirit of service and in true appreciation of the country's requirements, th» "Otago Daily Times ' (Reform) says that "there is a ring about.' Mr., Atmore's appeal that should stir the consciences of those politicians who ha.ye been, disposed to manoeuvre for party advantages, as lie puts it, even though this may havo been to the disadvantage of the State. Personal sacrifices will be demanded if a party which shall be national in character and spirit, whatever ifc may be in name, is to come into existence, but the public will be entitled to expect and hope that those sacrifices will be made cheerfully—or, if not cheerfully, at least uncomplainingly—by any politician whoso first thought is for the .welfare of his country."