The Sun WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1928. GOOD THINGS TO COME

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 243, 4 January 1928, Page 8

The Sun WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1928. GOOD THINGS TO COME

WITH the brightness of political buoyancy that knows no wane in any circumstances, Prime Ministers in different lands have done their duty in enriching the New Year holiday carnival with a gaiety of optimism. The text of their preachment has had the eloquence and imagery of the ancient prophets “A shadow of good things to come.” Most people will be content to begin the working' New Year with the shadow of better things to come and with the hope that the substance will be more solid than it was in the things the old year gave to them. This, at any rate to-day, will be the dominant hopeful mood of at least five hundred unemployed folk in Auckland, where the holiday carnival was a kaleidoscope of glowing happiness. Was not the turnover of money on racecourse gambling the highest in seven years? Indeed, the State did so well out of the popular sport that it might very well devote its generous revenue to the immediate alleviation of unemployment distress. But we need not look too closely on the cold side of the shadow of'good things to come. Better to turn to the brighter outlook as limned in radiant optimism by the Prime Minister who, from a pleasant holiday haven in the North the other day, assured the country that the worst pinch of depression has passed, that gloom had given way to the brightness of a bountiful season. It is right to note, however, that Mr. Coates was not careless in liis cheerful optimism. He realised the danger of maintaining a false feeling of security. There still is need of prudence in administration, thrift and industry on the part of the individual, and greater production throughout the land. If the Prime Minister does not yet know it, he may be assured at once that if the Government plays its part well, the people will respond with alacrity and firm determination to win prosperity. Hitherto they have been hindered not only by adverse conditions, but also by a lack of notable prudence in administration. As a London journal reminded the Prime Minister of England a few weeks ago that while “undoubtedly the burdens of the time lie heavy upon policy, it is the more important to remember that democracy takes its inspiration froili men as well as from measures.” That comment can be applied to New Zealand politics without any qualification whatever. The better things lacking in the political measures of the period are lacking no less conspicuously in the Government. Neither men nor measures afford progressive inspiration to the whole country. This year necessarily must be one of great political activity. A general election looms on the far horizon. If the Government hopes to regain the confidence of the people, it will have to provide something more than the shadow of good things to come. It will have to provide the better things or lose its splendid opportunity to make New Zealand famous in progress and prosperity.