Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29th., 1931. SOCIALISM’S ROUT.

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 October 1931, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29th., 1931. SOCIALISM’S ROUT.

“STAGGERING!” is the only word to describe the National Government’s victory at the Homeland elections, and nothing else can bo so eloquent about the subject as the results themselves. An emphatic defeat of the Socialists was generally expected, but none predicted that the reverse would be so disastrous. Tho Red leaders, as well as Iho rank and filo, have been rejected, mostly by majorities that left no doubt of the people’s opinion. In striking contrast, the National Government heads have been overwhelmingly triumphant, even at places where their defeats would not have been surprising. No personal victory is more gratifying than Mr. MacDonald’s at Seaham Harbour, with a majority of nearly 6,000 over his official Red opponent. Mr. Thomas, too, at Derby ob-

tained a triumph, and indeed the whole story is monotonous -in exultation for the National Government, and lamentations hy the Socialists.

The British people, in town and country, liave displayed to the whole world, characteristic com-

monsense and unity during a national crisis, and the Overseas lands of the Empire, should copy this example, when opportunity arises. New Zealand will soon be given a similar test, and should give a similar response. Socialism in practice has proved ruinous, and although future elections may not be quite so harassing for the Reds, it is clear that the slogan Socialism in our time” will have to be abandoned. Some attempt is being made in the ranks of the victors, and by some ultra-Free Traders, to claim that the results of the pollings are as a mandate for Protection, but that claim is not warranted.

Throughout the electioneering cam-

paign, it was made clear by Mr. MacDonald and his Ministerial colleagues, that the tariff issue was not at stake, and that all the electors were asked to endorse, was the National Government’s financial policy. It is certain that many convinced Free Traders voted for Government candidates on Tuesday, because of their Reliance on the Government’s good faith regarding fiscal policy. The Conservatives’ predominance in the new House of Commons may pave the way for the introduction of tariffs,) in a later Parliament, but little in

that direction will be proceeded with, meanwhile. It cannot be claimed that the Commons is not the poorer for the loss of some of the defeated Labourites, and it may have been better for all concerned, if the Government triumph had been less complete. The Opposition will be insignificant in numbers, and unless seats are found for the defeated leaders, even more so in personnel. This may cause slackness in the Ministerialist ranks, or else tempt the Conservatives to take advantage of the situation. Meanwhile, the Empire’s congratulations to Mr. MacDonald, Mr. Baldwin, Sir J. Simon and Sir 11. Samuels, will be mingled with thankfulness that the Homeland is setting her house in order, that the people are solidly behind the economy proposals, and that everything now points to a revival of industry and confidence, from which the Overseas lands must benefit.