INVIDIOUS PRAISE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 21049, 7 December 1931, Page 8

INVIDIOUS PRAISE.

In its review of the general election, the Wellington Evening Post accords to the Prime Minister unmeasured praise for his good leadership ; it was this, it says, that brought out the best that was in the Dominion's people—he was "the hero of this fight"—just as earlier he "scented danger" and "at once rose to the occasion." Although "still but a commonplace politician" when he returned from the Imperial Conference, Mr. Forbes afterwards, according to the Post, took rank as a national statesman. Week by week as the danger grew lie lias sinco been recognised by an increasing number of bis countrymen as our indispensable defence against almost irreparable disaster. From that day to this Mr. Forbes lias not failed us once, and to-day it must surely be obvious to the dullest imagination that if without liini that disaster had not overtaken us months ago, it. certainly would have done so yesterday. Such comment, in the emphasis of its praise of the head of the Coalition Government, is to be regretted as inimical to the harmony that should obtain between the parties pledged to work together for the duration of the need. Great credit is due to Mr. Forbes for his honesty and sincerity of purpose in relation to the state of the country's finances, but to pedestal him in special splendour is not justified by facts. Others, had they been then in office, would assuredly have been as straightforward and courageous. As to the election, this fulsome reference impels recall of Mr. Forbes' advocacy of postponement and the strong pressure brought to bear by Mr. Coates and his colleagues to get the constitutional course followed and a mandate sought for a sane policy of rehabilitation. Credit is due for their stand, resulting in the winning of that mandate. Invidious comparisons, even by inference, are best avoided: the results, as far as they were party gains or losses, may lie loft to speak for themselves, and in this respect have no bearing on the immediate future. To pull together for the good of all is the urgent duty, and Reform may lie trusted to do its full share, devoting its strength to the common purpose.