Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, JULY 5, 1919. DOMINION POLITICS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 July 1919, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, JULY 5, 1919. DOMINION POLITICS.

The political atmosphere, which has been comparatively calm for some years, is beginning- to show considerable movement. The National Government’s barometer is falling’ steadily and marks “change” very clearly. The two commanders, who have been responsible for the guidance of the Ship of State, have been absent on leave for some time, and those who have been acting as commanders have not shown any great ability. The vessel is now approaching very stormy waters, and as she is- much the worse for wear it is thought that her dissolution is at hand. All kinds of rumours have reached the Dominion of the lack of harmony between Mr Massey and Sir Joseph. They may be only idle tales; but well-informed circles seem to think that there is more than a modicum of truth. The National Government was at most a temporary arrangement for the purpose of carrying out the Dominion’s share of the war more easily. The war has ended, and the necessity for the alliance no

, C .. T .■’ ■ ‘ xi; n iA longer exists. It cannot be , said that. tlie Coalition Government was a success. Tt did many good things, no doubt, and. its zeal for the Jilin pile |s' cause was beyond reproach. It was in the field of domestic .policies that its errors were most manifest. The majority of the people of- New Zeatland are wage-earners, and with them the cost of living is : - always ■ a burning question. The Avar naturally made prices soar considerably, but in many cases the increases Avere out of all proportion to Avhat they should lie. The attention of the Government has been called to the matter, but , nothing has been done to bring about an imprcrvement, Ministers .talked a feAAS idle platitiudes, but jno practical suggestions were imade. Several of the Ministers haA-e also shown considerable lack of tact in dealing with the Departments over Avliich they have .control. There have been several serious disputes, and strikes have been narroAvly averted. The coal shortage and the curtailment of the train services haA r e raised considerable resentment right throughout the Dominion., and it ' is certain that the Coalition Gojvernment has made enemies. The Government’s attitude seems a*, determined attempt to put the 1 people to the greatest possible inastute political moA r e, hut we are < afraid that it is very likely to recoil heaA T ily Aipon the authors. A fe wweeks more will see Parlia- , merit in session. The sitting will

be brief, and nothing but the most essential legislation can be dealt with. Members will be so anxious to get back to their electorates and begin campaigning that they, will not give much attention to the business before them. With the dissolution of Parliament will 'come the end of the National Go- ! vernment. It will leave many bitter enemies and but few friends. . The question arises: What' is to take its place ? There was a proposal that a strong party should ,be formed from the present supporters of the National Government ; but this did not find favour. The Liberal Party had a caucus, and as a result a resolution was qiasssed declaring that the Liberals would face the electors as a party independent of the Reformers. What attitude Sir Joseph Ward will adopt is, of course, not known, and when he places his | views before his followers there may be a considerable modification in the present attitude. It is well known that Sir James Allen is strongly in favour of a fusion of parties. He is convinced that at no time in the his-

j tory of the Dominion was tne .necessity of a strong Government imore apparent. Tne problems of ! peace will be even more difficult .than those of war, and New Zealand will require the services of the most able and patriotic men to guide her through the difficul- ! ties before her. Tb©. Labour [Party is steadily organising, and its leaders are convinced that the [Party has agolden chance of securing control of the Government. With them it is a case of “Now or never!” They evidently hope to climb into power on the mistakes [made bv the National Government. The Labour Party has a [most progressive platform, and [many of the planks appeal strongjly io the people. But the attitude which many of the leaders iof the Party adopt towards Im- [ perial questions, the war loans and military training will prevent many votes being’ registered in favour of the Labour candidates. The majority of the people of the Dominon are right against the National Government, and are determined thajt it shall not remain in power. Unfortunately, they cannot agree amongst themselves as to which party is to replace it.