FORWARD WITHOUT FEAR

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 35, 11 February 1931, Page 8

FORWARD WITHOUT FEAR

"The duty of the Government at the present juncture is plain, and we arc not. concerned in the' least as to whether we will be popular or not." We hope that the Government will go forward without fear in the spirit of the statement made by the Minister of Justice. Democracy has had one ill effect qn government. It has produced timidity. The average politician has no appreciation of Danton?s advice: "Audacity, and yet more audacity, and always audacity." He asks himself not: "Is this right?" but: "Will the electors see that it is right?" Government, indeed, has become not an endeavour to discover the right course, but an endeavour to find what will be popular. It is worth while to correct this by looking into history, which teaches that the great leader has always been the man who has dared to follow his own judgment regardless of the consequences. The people look for leadership, and not for a weak willingness to do what is demanded. If the Government of New Zealand will now be strong we think it need have no fear of consequences. Though many may | not agree with the proposals they will appreciate strength and honesty of purpose. The Government that is fearless in Ivking an unpopular course, though it sees defeat before it, will be surprised at the support that will be won by its fearlessness.