The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1928. POLITICAL POSSIBILITIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 November 1928, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1928. POLITICAL POSSIBILITIES.

Tn k air i.s full of enquiries a ml spcculations as to political possibilities of the immediate future Mr Coates’ decision to call Parliament together appears to be largely his own conclusion. The reports indicate that the decision was not unanimous in Cabinet, but the Prime Minister had the l ight to decide and he exercised his prerogative. It would have been a shorter course no duii'ht to resign, and time would have l.ieon saved, but there would still have been the problem, what next? ft is being assumed on all sids.s that Sir Joseph Ward will form a .Ministry, and the chances are with the “new ldood” offering it will be a very acceptable Ministry to the country. But the Ministry and its policy will have to meet a House in which the United as a party are in a minority. It is being taken for granted that so far as giving Sir Joseph Ward a chance, the Labour Party will side with him, but the duration of that support is quite indefinite. The policy and the acts of the new Ovorninent will be the deciding factor. At the same time it may be taken for granted that Sir Joseph is hardly likely to bargain with the Labour Party as |ed by Mr Holland for any terms of

support It would, however, he rensoniiolc to expect that sane Labour of the type of .Mr Alunro might he drawn ultimately to Sir Joseph’s standard, and so bring about the old Liberal-La-bour fusion which was the pillar ol the progessive support in the late .Mr Seddon s time. That, however, is not an immediate possibility because .Mr Alunro lias in the first instance certain obligations to the Labour Party, which must lie fulfilled be I ore they can, even diplomatically be severed. Put as regards fusion, to call it by no other name, there arc those in the nominal Reform ranks already being named, whom it is thought would range themselves under Sir Joseph’s leadership were he established as Prime .Minister. Tin’s seems to he the most probable course. At the same lime the ultralieformer is opposed strongly to Sir Joseph Ward, and there will be a section nf the party which can never be rcMinciled to bis leadership. The immediate possibilities seem to rest I ben on the wavering Reformers and the sane Labourites, if there is to be tiny stability in the Government. It is'being accepted that llial will be possible in the end. When Parliament meets next week, while the defeat of Mr (Vales seems to be inevitable, the life of the (Jovernment-10-be to be drawn from the ranks of tlm United and perhaps one Independent, will be decided on the trend of the debate. In the discussion on the uo-contitlel l cc motion, which it will be necessary to move, there will be many speeches, wo Lake it, and the subject matter can hardly be confined solely to reasons for the exit of the Coates .Ministry. The justification to replace it with the Ward .Ministry will require to be emphasised, for it may he assumed before voting, the I abour Party at least will require some talcmcnt or indication of general policy to warrant the change. Sir Joseph Ward and his leading colleagues will im donhi indicate, in a leading way n lial would I e proposed and iindorlaken. and it is in this respect that the decision of the House will he made. II is manifest the L'niteds will not have their policy measures ready at hand, but. first principles will require to be slated to impress the majority of the 11fHise with regard to the requisite support. Once Sir Joseph receives that support lie will be entitled to reasonable time to formulate his policy, prepare his bills, and bring them before the House. If. as appears possible, this consideration will he given, the Ward Ministry will take the task of Government forthwith and in <1 no course meet: Parliament in the ordered fashion. The Teething time in the interval will no doubt be utilised iii tlie endeavour to >'ous Jidiile the position, but matters having gone that far. the rest will not be so cliflictilt. If the Will’d Government is not able to get over tbe first hurdle of satisfying the new House ns to its general policy and the prospects of carrying on. then a fresh election will be the inevitable alternative, siiid that event would be set for tbe early -New Year. But we are rather inclined to believe the test of another contest will ho avoided, and the members will be inclined to settle down and give Sir Joseph Ward the chance of making good. It is certainly the most feasible possibility for the good of the coulitre.

Till; Westland poll in the General Flection having now been declared, if- is interesting to note (bat there was a •substantial increase in the voting on three years ago. Tbe electorate is evidently growing. The increase In votes is fully 70!) a fact which also indicates an improved interest, in the event. The margin between tbe contestants is not a large one, showing the evenness of the voting. In the circumstances if. appears to us that Air O’Briens’ polling was very creditable. In meeting Air Seddon lie met a candidate who had done excellent service for tbe electorale. and one who bad an excellent standing in and out of Parliament. It was an honour for Westland to lie associated with Air Seddon, and in winning the seat from one of such prestige, Air O’Brien secured a victory which surprised us. From Air O'Brien’s record of a former term in Parliament, wo will expect him to lie very attentive to the district and its needs, and as was remarked on a former occasion, wo believe lie will have general support from tin' community where necessary. Air Seddon who is now out of office deserves the thank's of the people for the zeal and energy shown in the public service of AYesfland and we venture to express it. for we have recognised all along that in Air Seddon there was a capable and influential representative who never failed to be watchful in the interests of the district and presented his requests with great success during bis term of office. It seems that this is the most opportune time to say “thank you” to Mr Seddon, and to add that lie has so identified himself with the district that lie lias become in m.’inv ways a necessary part of it. and that many will be inclined to look' back with gratitude on his valuable service and help over many years to Westland. ATr Seddon is also so much of a sport that we feel sure if there is any way in which he can help the sitting member to advance the interests of Westland we are sure he will be only too glad to do so. AYe believe Air Seddon to have the good of the district very much at heart, and on that account lie will continue to be very friendly and most helpful where lie can. if a call be made on his services. Tt is certainly well deserved, therefore, and also- worth while, to say again, “thank you” for what he has done in such a good spirit.

Afr T. E. A T . Seddon was a visitor to Hokitika to-day.

The annual concert and hall in aid of the funds of Woodstock School will ho hold on Tuesday Dec, 14th.

A concert and ball in aid of the Upper Koiterangi School funds wil. be held on i'uesdav, LStli December. Addisons for smart bathing togs, capes, caps and sunshades. Shop early.- -Advt. A dance will be held in All Saints | lull this (Tuesday) evening at--B.TO o’clock. .Music by Boss’s Orchestra. Admission: Gents 2s, ladies Is. Supper provided.—Advt. The /Angara is announced to leave Wellington for Hokitika direct to-mor-row afternoon. Shippers should telegraph orders. The Westland -County Council is putting in hand some track repairs at Tnipn and Totara, for which assistance is being given by-way ot subsidy iroin Government grants. All nitoresteil in tbe formation of a tennis club at Three Mile are requested to meet al Three Mile at / o'clock on Wednesday evening.—A. Dick, convenor.—Advt. The departure south of l-he Gael, for Okuru. lias been delayed awaiting a report of the improved condition ot the Okuru channel. Some machinery overhaul is having attention in the meantime. Show your gratitude for services rendered while you were an inmate of the Westland Hospital by paying the account promptly. Accounts for Hospital Fees should lie regarded as Debts of Honour.—Advt. An expression of thanks to the electors of Westland for their support in the recent general election is made ■by Air T. K. Y. Seddon in this issue to-day. Mr Seddon will be pleased to continue bis interest in the wellare of tiic district anti will do what ho can personally to Indp whenever his assistallco may be required. For hoys! Navy, grey and cream shorts. Varsity shirts in cream, fryino and fawn and grey poplin. Boys hats and ties, etc., etc. Shop early at Addisons. —Advt. The right to the publicans’ booths at the Hokitika Races will be sold by auction next Saturday week. On Wednesday of next week Lite two bars to be sold wiU bo open for inspection to intending buyers.- Jim bars are. being made very convenient and will have entrances back and front Roth bars will be circular and identical in size, and verv convenient for ready servicP.

The Woodstock Hall will he the special scene of attraction on Wednesday •Hid Thursday evenings. On Wednesday the anniversary ball takes place lor which the Black Hand Orchestra will supply the music, while the next evening a juvenile fancy dress ball will be held for which substantial cash prizes will be given for the best fancy costume. Found at Addisons Xmas gifts j like at the prices 1 like. Shop early. —Advt. The wedding took place in Hokitika on .Monday of last week of Aliss A lay Alitcbell, of Alikoiiui, Ross, to Air J. Green, of T'atare, Waiho Gorge. A dance in their honour was given by the bride's brothers and sisters in the evening, and ;i very liappv time was sjH'iit. Miss Hvaiis presided over the piano. The happy couple spent the night In Hokitika and left next morning on the eastward express. The death took place on Sunday evening at the Grey Hospital of Air .John Delaney of Smith Beach, and a native of Greymouth. He was 58 years of age, and for many years had been a farmer and butcher in Wellington, Grey, Brunner and in the Kamaka district. He was predeceased by his wife may years ago, and leaves no family. A brother, William, resides at Nelson Greek. He had bold the position of Justice of the Peace for many years. Call early at Addisons and buy or reserve your Xmas gilts now from .t full stock of novelties. Prices right. —Advt. The late Air Bernard Aliilholland whose death was recorded yesterday, left Ireland as a youth, first, followed railway construction in Queensland, later to follow the golden lure at the Auckland lead. West Coast, and again to the more peace!ul pursuits of farming at Upper Knkatahi where he has resided some lil’ty years, being intimately connected with the original development of co-operative dairying in the valley and for some years a director of the local company. The late Air Aliilholland was a man of kindly, cheerful disposition and will be much missed. He leaves a widow and family of three sons (Bert O’Brien. Richard and David Aliilholland, ol Kokatahi) and live daughters (Mrs Stevens, of Wellington, Airs Smith, ol Stillwater,' Airs Little, of Koiterangi. and .Misses Margaret anil Rebecca Mulholland, of Upper Kokatahi). Airs Weir, ol Kokatahi, is a sister of deceased. For children’ wear call at Addisons where you will he suited with dainty millinery, beach and school hats, cF'ne-de-rliiiio, voile and print frocks, socks and sandal socks. Shop early. —Advt. A unique, never-failing remedy for hay fever, coughs and colds is “Nnzol.” Get a bottle. 60 doses (for Is fid.—Advt. ‘■Kapoc Mattresses”—Best- Samarang kaixtc, single bed 37s Gd. double bed 59s fid. “Sleep Well” Alattresses—bordered and tufted, single bed G9s Gd, double bed 84s. The best mattress produced. Kapooi pillows 3s lid and 4s lid at McKay’s.— Advt.