PUBLIC OPINION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXII, Issue 15716, 8 September 1911, Page 8

PUBLIC OPINION.

FROM YESTERDAY’S NEWS-

PAPERS,

(By Telegraph.)

SPURIOUS HEROISM

The more we reflect upon the circumstances of Mr Fowlds’s resignation, the more difficult docs it become to acquit the ex-Minister of a serious lapse m political ethics. Ho chose lus time either with strange carelessness or with bitter carefulness. AYe prefer to assume the former, and, though we do not believe that any appreciable loss will ultimately accrue to t.ie Government, lie must have foreseen the malign use which an unprecedentedly unscrupulous Opposition would make oi his sensational action. He has had his share in the political work and responsibility of the last three years, and lie should have faced the popular verdict in company with his colleagues.- Dunedin “Star.” THE MOROCCAN SITUATION. The reassuring elements are the alleged agreement that the only bar to peace is the fear lest German mdustry may suffer, the fact that the representatives of the “ Triple Entente” liare met and determined to stand firm, and the vast peace meeting in Berlin. The idea of war should he unthinkable, but hardheaded people are, it will bo observed, still paying war risks on oversea cargoes.—“ New Zealand Times.” NEW ZEALAND POLITICS.

There is no doubt that the balance of power is being rearranged. One hears of Oppositionists who agree with the principal features of Mr Massey’s programme but express an unwillingness to be led by Mr Massey. In the present House some critic.s say there are men on Mr Massey’s side who should change places with some of the less Liberal Ministerialists. Independent Labour may have gained by the gospel as expounded by Mr Fowlds on Tuesday, but we do not yet see cause to change our belief that Independent Labour will not score any remarkable success at the next elections. One notable feature of the polling may be an increase in the number ot real Independents, wiio. instead of being ranged eventually under either the Ward or Massey flag, will be massed under an independent standard, possibly with Mr Fowlds as their leader. —“ Evening Post.”