The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MAY 4, 1931. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MAY 4, 1931. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.

Tim movement regarding the formation of a National Government is ■ slowly hut surely taking shape. Mr Forbes’ very frank statement on the position has disarmed the critics, who are all admiration for the generous offer in the matter. The point he has made clear is that the purpose is solely national and not tinged with party. He makes no bargaining proposals as conditional to the consummation of Hie ideal. Nor are there any “it's” or butt;.” As lie put it, there is a clean Mate politically for all who will join up with the national inovement. He is not dogmatic about the polity or the party in regard to specific gnuciplos, other than that all shall cooperate? for flm National welfare, Jfc affords a wonderful opportunity to recast the political fortunes of the country. For far too long now the Dominion has been in a ferment of uncertainty as to its political leadership, and the result, has been an unseUlcment of the public mind creating a period of great uncertainty as to the future. Tlwifc state of affairs lias operated adversely, we are persuaded. as to tlie general prosperity of ithe country. During the period depression has been besetting New Zealand, were a stable Government in power, the result would have been different, and the slump times would not have been felt so severely. It is much tlie same in the Old Country. There, also, the Labour Government, has a very precarious existence, dependent on another party for its political power, and the methods or policy >f dealing with large questions of the time is hampered by the need of eonforming greatly to the demands ot the non-party votes necessary to hold office. That has been the condition here for far too long. That situation is in need of adjustment to practical needs. The competition, as it were, between rival parties should end, so that the policy call lie clearly adjusted to the national emergency. It should not he necessary to bargain, about measures to ensure the solvency of the Dominion, but that lias been going on for some time, and Mr Forbes realises the futility of such a condition of affairs, It will he readily understood that in the Government which will he the outcome of the present offer by tlie United party, the Deform section of Parliament will be tlie principal partners. It is to lie hoped there will be some of tlie Independent section. also, in the National Afinis-iy, but it seems hopeless to expert Labour Lo join up. The reckless policy that party pursues in this as in other countries near at hand, is not any special eommedntion for practical help from that quarter of the political arena, besides Lihour is looking forward ambitiously to the time when it will become the “official Opposition,” and he the alternative to the reigning Government, a situation likely to satisfy its political ambitions for some time. The present negotiations depend mainly on the attitude of the Reform party. Doubtless public opinion will assist that party to make up its mind this week, in which case the movement will take practical shape. It can now be realised why Air Forbe, s delayed the announcement of hjs fresh taxation proposals, and his action will bo appreciated Mr Forbes is showing such tact and discretion in tlie most difficult period any Minister has had to face in New Zealand, that the coun. try has reason to be grateful that- so safe a man is at the helm in critical times like the present. His presence gives assurances as to the future.