SHREWDNESS SUCCEEDS.

Northern Advocate, 20 October 1920, Page 2

SHREWDNESS SUCCEEDS.

The Theodore Government apparently has scrambled back into office in Queensland, though its majority is very considerably smaller than it was before the appeal to the electors. That the Labour Party has been able to command a majority of any kind is rather surprising, since its short term of office has been marked by the passage of some startling legislation. The repudiation Acts condemned the Government and aroused such a stir that a general election six months ago would probably have resulted in the defeat of the Ministry, But the public's memory is short. On his return from his unsuccessful mission to London, where the financiers absolutely refused to negotiate a loan for Queensland, Mr Theodore found thait the Country Party was rapidly gaining public esteem; When Parliament met the Governor's Speech foieshadowed a general election, which was expected to be held next April, but Mr Theodore evidently thought it better-to go ito the eounitiy at once, and the fact that he has retained a majority confirms his judgment. He probably relied on the good impression created by the excellence of the arrangements which the Queensland Government made for the reception of the Prince of Wales, an impression which would be uppermost in the mind of the shortniemoried public. Ho would also realise the danger of delaying .until the

financial stringency that must be felt in Queensland had affected tho Government's prestige. Ho has been shrewd enough to make his appeal at the right moment, and though his ma-

jority has been reduced from 22 to four he is still Premier. He has a hard row to hoe. He and his lieutenants will have to be unceasingly vigilant iv the House, and their difficulties in financing the country will be enormous. Queensland is at a stage whore development is essential and loan money must be had. Yet Mr Theodore and his colleagues must pose" as the irreconcilable enemies of capitalism. The extremist supporters of the Government may be satisfied, but investors abroad are not likely to show any confidence in the .Labour

Government