POLITICAL SITUATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19721, 22 August 1927, Page 12

POLITICAL SITUATION.

Sir, —The present stirring in political circles betokens dissatisfaction with the management of public affairs. Most of us feel it is high time something was done to put the Dominion on a sounder footing, but after reading the report of the meeting of the Liberals, and perusing the manifesto of the new party, one can find nothing inspiring. With regard to the Liberals, it is really pitiful to find men so devoid of political acumen as to waste time trying to reanimate the dead bones of Liberalism. They remind me of poor old broody hens I have seen that would persist m sitting on a nest of addled eggs. Turning to the manifesto of the new party I must express a sense of profound disappointment. Instead of sensing the cause of our troubles and devising a remedy, they merely offer us a number of airy platitudes to any one of which any person could say "amen" and yet not "help or reform one hand's breadth. What we want is something inspiring, not a mere repetition of wornout shibboleths; a .working programme that would hearten up the burden hearers of the Dominion and restore confidence in the future. Such a political platform must be -broad, based on principles to encourage honest individual energy. Let us try to bring out the best" that is in human nature, not continue as we are at present, when each succeeding Administration seems to outvie the preceding in pandering to the baser instincts of humanity, for it cannot be denied that the trend of our legislation for the last forty years has been the prime factor in promoting pauperism. Though these are - undeniable facts. I do not see anything to be discouraged about; to the right men obstacles only exist to be surmounted. Our troubles arise from the want of a sound well-thought-out policy. Continual ot>portnnism and feeble expediency would wreck any nation. Under present conditions it is' deeply to be regretted that not one of these political parties seems able to rise to the occasion and put before us something more inspiring than a mere desire to get on to the Treasury Benches-. , " J.P.E.