THE NEXT ELECTION.

Evening Star, Issue 16664, 21 February 1918, Page 8

THE NEXT ELECTION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I am very thankful for New Zealand's sake that the War Conference is not to be held this year, and, consequently, that our politcal leaders will not leave the Dominion. This latter gives a possible chance that our statesmen may give their attention to governing and organising the Dominion in a manner somewhat better than in the past. They have one more, chance this year to make good. If the present politicians cannot adjust the State to the changing circumstances, so as to maintain the maximum strength and efficiency of the country's resources and the welfare of the people, they had better get out and make room for more capable men, who understand the science of social organisation. It would probably be just as well if we could avoid an. election ; but the present state of affairs is unsatisfactory, and I see a wide lack of confidence in the present Administration, and a strong desire to try the election of some abler men by means of the ballot box—a constitutional right which was denied the people for no sound reason whatever. Sir Joseph Ward's metaphorical allusion to the "hanging" was absurd, and entirely unsupported by logic. We are in the unfortunate position of having no really capable men in the public mind with a constructive policy of government that will meet the abnormal situation and conserve the national welfare. That we have a few such men in New Zealand Ido not doubt; and if there are any in some obscure corner, I should like them to consider the possibility of their rendering the -useful service to the community that will tide over the strenuous conditions, make it easier for the people to bear their national burdens, and adjust the social forces in the most equitable way. That the present position is causing much unnecessary economic tyranny is undeniable, and that it could be vastly improved by the right methods is also certain ; therefore why should the people put up with bad management of the national business? The General Election is the method by , which the people mav choose for better or worse ; _ the possibilities are strongly in favor of it being better —very much better.—l am, etc., . J. D. Robertson. February 21.