AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18768, 23 January 1923, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

The conference between the Nationalist and Country Parties in Australia to discuss the position arising out of the results of the general election will be resumed to-day. Certain definite points have been made clear during the negotiations for the establishment of an understanding between the parties with the view of ensuring stability of government and the maintenance in office of an anti-Labour Administration, but a solution of the involved position has yet to be found. Mr Hughes remains the outstanding figure in Australian politics, but he is in the unhappy position of having made more enemies than friends among the conferring parties. A section of the Nationalist Party desires another leader, and the whole of the Country Party is opposed to Mr Hughes. As the Country,Party holds the balance of power in the new Parliament, though its members number b'ss than one-half of either the Nationalist or the Labour Party, Mr Hughes may have to be relieved of office. That he will not surrender the position of Prime Minister willingly—and no subordinate office would be acceptable to him—is conceded by those who know him, but at present there appears to be no possible alternative to his supersession. The Prime Minister may, of course, elect to go down fighting. In that case the Country Party would be compelled either to support the Labour Party or if it itself came into power, to hold office by consent of the Labour Party. From our cable messages it would seem, however, that a better arrangement is possible by which the Nationalists may continue in office with the support of the Country Party. Whether that arrangement can be satisfactorily effected depends on the final decisions of the Country Party. To secure the best results it should accept its share in the business of government. If the Country Party refuses to accept any portfolios for its members it will be in the position that it will virtually govern without undertaking any of the responsibility of government. That position is neither fair nor practical. Together the Nationalist and Country Parties, both of which are opposed to the Labour Party, have a substantial majority in the House, and unless they are prepared to see a Labour Government assume office one or other of them or both in conjunction must provide the country with a representative Government. In the best interests of Australia it may be hoped that the parties opposed to Labour will agree upon the fullest measure of co-opera-tion, each accepting its due share of responsibility.