POLITICAL SITUATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3115, 26 November 1913, Page 57

POLITICAL SITUATION.

THE LIBERAL PARTY. OBSTRUCTIVE TACTICS CONDEMNED. CFhou Och Own Cobuhspoxl'mt ) WELLINGTON. November 20. Tho Post, an Independent paper, in a leading article on the political situation, says: —- “The Liberals were a thoroughly disorganised' and demoralised party when Sir Joseph Ward was induced to take charge again, and it remains to be seen whether ho can unite them for the purpose of ~ny constructive work. He has, however, convinced both himself and the public that they are sufficiently well organised under his leaders!ip for the purpose of obstruction. Tho public is, indeed, more than sufficiently convinced on tiio point, and would be glad of some more conclusive evidence of statesmanship than the mere blocking of business in a House where tho fairly close division of parties and the antiquated Standing Orders made such work exceptionally easy. Public sentiment is particularly emphatic on this matter just now, since it recognises that tho difficulties of tho Government have been immensely aggravated by the present industrial struggle, which it has faced with a coolness, courage, and determination which entitles it to the gratitude of the country; -..-4 • - „.... ii. i mi w>e uupuaUiun and the rank and file have entirely failed to give tho Government the help that should have been freely forthcoming from a party which realised its responsibilities in a grave national emergency. With regard to thia great issue, the action of tho Liberals has been rather worthy of the allies of the Red Federation on the Grey by-election than of tho party which ruled the country for more than 20 yearn and hopes to be in

power once more before long. Though Sir Joseph Ward has missed this great opportunity _to prove that he and his followers fro patriots first and partisans afterwards, the country expects that ho will make some amends by refraining from raising unnecea sary obstacles in the path of a Government, which is manfully fighting the battle ol us all against the power of anarchy.”