The Guardian (And.Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1940. POLITICS ACROSS THE TASMAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1940, Page 4

The Guardian (And. Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1940. POLITICS ACROSS THE TASMAN.

Tub political game across the. Tasman and particularly in the federal arena, promises to b« interesting if not exciting. Mr Alenzies, who lias proved a capable, not to say vigorous' leader, ; found himself short of the support needed to carry on his programme. But in the interim lie has implemented a vigorous defence policy, and the foundation is laid for accomplishing great things in the three arms of the service. The .developments in entraining are on a very large scale. The navy is building more ships. The army for overseas is a voluntary one, and the first section has gone. This is a definite part of Mr Meuzies’ declared policy to support the Motherland. The second section is in course of preparation and like New Zealand’s portion, is ready almost for embarkation. Having established a large force overseas, Australia must needs keep up supplies and reinforcements, ami carry on as boldly and as successfully as .was the record in the Great War. lint with the opposition from Labour to the oversea service, Air Alenzies wisely sought full support from the Country Party. There have been differences between the United Australian and- Country parties for some time, but these if not composed entirely, have been adjusted sufficiently to permit the fusion ol the two parties, arid each being represented in the Ministry. Air Alenzies, remains leader,' and the Country leader, Air Cameron, is the second-in-command. The new Cabinet ik now framing its policy and will bo divided into two sections —war and economic. In connection. with the latter, an eighteen million internal loan ■ has. been oversubscribed, which is some indication of the 'feelin lcs of the people (in the situation and its needs. The provision of ample funds at this juncture ontouraged Air Alenzies to propound his defepee policy and carry it through in support of the promise to aid Great Britain. This is a material matter at this juncture, and is an augury that the Government is stepping off with the financial support ol the country, implying a great deal more than sympathetic approval. Australia at the moment has a coal strike in progress, and this may have a disturbing and dislocating effect, but strikes appear to he endured lightly in Australia, and if flic personal inconvenience is not too great, the strikers will he permitted to have their fling. Mr Alenzies is not popular with Labour, but be may be expected to handle the situation with courage if the need arises. He is not likely to allow the strike to interfere with Hie war effort of the country, which lie places very rightly, in the forefront.. The two parties now closely associated have bad their differences; and have bad soup* hri-l things to s-'y of each other. In composing their differences. Air Alenzies agreed to drop the- motor monopoly which was becoming a foremost domestic issue, and with peace in that quarter, the outlook for the future of the Government is not unpromising. A new policy, largely in regard to internal affairs, is to be brought down. But of course the main effort in regard to flic war will si a ml. Tn that respect, flic Government will have very wide support throughout the Commonwealtli. and is sure to work in unison with New Zealand in supporting Britain to the fullest.

The departure of another flying-boat for Australia assures the early beginning of the trans-Tasman air service, New Zealand has had to wait unduly long for this convenience, but at last it is in sight, definitely. The flying-boat which has'been here for some months, has made occasional trips to Australia and elsewhere, and proved thoroughly air-worthy. Speedy and comfortable trips were recorded, and good service given on the missions undertaken. A sister boat is now on the way, likewise officered largely by New Zealanders, and the same good service may die looked for. There has been a long wait for this: speedy means of communication'. The discussions between the authorities ol the different countries involved, .took' over-long in the . first place, . while the threatening conditions lit Hdine, and finally the outbreak of war, further delayed ni’atters. The' earlier boats intended for the service had to he diverted to naval service, hut in the long last it has been possible to complete and despatch a sister boat capable no doubt of equal if not bet ter service, with the improvements being added from time to time. The service at the commencement is to he once weekly each way. and no doubt, specially at the outset, the mail will bo used very largely. It will be a most important connection for this country. The facility in quick transport, will result in manv additional visitors who otherwise might baulk at the long sea voyage, the ordinary alternative. The frequency of the service will grow with the needs. Once established the re-o-idnritv of the trips will nfidence, and result in increasing patronage. Air travel is the modern means now where long distances are involved. But for the interruption of the wav, and all that it necessitated, no doubt, commercial air transport would be more advanced than it is, but, it is at least satisfactory that n way lias been found to overcome difficulties which stood in the way of New Zealand participating in what is now becoming a universal service for travel and despatch of mails.