ALBERTA OFFERS A LEAD

Hutt News, Volume 18, Issue 12, 23 August 1944, Page 5

ALBERTA OFFERS A LEAD

Sir,— -Amidst the contusion of orthodox politics, uad while siniuilaiioous elections in uubec have 'demonstrated regrettable disunity. Unpeople of Albena have for the tlnru time recorded an inspiring confidence iin their' Social Credit Government. After nine years ot abuae and condemnation outside the Province tint; is a remarkable roc.ord. In spite'' oi obstruction from the DwmUiion Government, the Social Credit Party in Alberta, with no political background and no class interests to has > manifeauy achieved far more in the estimation of its own: people than Labour in New Zealand, also first elected in 19o~). Despite lack of power to carry out its original intentions, the Government has satisfied the and its openly expressed determination tc carry on towards the objectives promulgated after the depression is back ed up by very recent legislation. In contrast to New Zealand not only has the Albertan Government gained ground, not only have itts: leaders recently been accepted as the leu'devs of a newly-formed national political organisation, but. it offers the electors men with-youth and vigour and idealism. The great victory at this election cannot be attributed to the personality or religious' fervour of Aberhart, but Aberhart's passing brought to the fore the youngest Premier in the British Commonwealth, Ernest Manning; who at M 7 has triumphed as loader in hits find campaign. t This victory is more significant when' we realise" that to Canadians the end of the war is very close, and the people's political outlook is concerned with peacetime issues. They do not face our prospect of" prolonged participation in the Avar against Japan after Germany is defeated. For this reason the Alberta'-'Govern-ment decided upon an election fourteen months. befpre it was due. The people have confirmed, their authority for the next five years t.o deal with reconstruction- and• i-ehaVjilUa-tion problems. For all practical purposes they have'survived a pre-war (depression), wartime and postwar "election, a remarkable record, certainly not to' be parallelled in New Zealand. We must admit that the people of Alberta have been offered more than New Zealanders by their Government and that something is not Socialist regimentation or any form of totalitarianism, but. rather the complete Freedom for which British peoples are fighting. We cannot afford to ignore them any longer.-- - I am etc., JOHN HOGAN.