The Sun THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1919. A HAPPY RELEASE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1788, 6 November 1919, Page 6

The Sun THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1919. A HAPPY RELEASE.

The passing of Parliament is a happy release for all concerned. In particular, the country will breathe more freely now that the incubus .has been removed. The late, but not the late-lamented, Legislature had virtually outlived its usefulness, or, to put it in another way, had outstayed its welcome. It was one of the longest on record, thanks to the War. The struggle with Central Europe added years to the life of the nineteenth Parliament, but not greatly to its wisdom. .However, having fought the good fight and won, we are now faced with the task of cleaning up the litter and reconstructing what the War has broken down. In anticipating these consequences it is to the discredit of the Coalition Government that it showed so little prevision. It lived from hand to mouth, from day to day: a rough-and-ready policy which is not without its untoward results. When, the victory completed and Peace concluded, Parliament turned to put its own house in order, Sir Joseph Ward "threw a spanner into the gears" by an abrupt withdrawal from the Coalition and the publication of a flagrant electioneering .manifesto rich in promises. With him went the Liberal Ministers who had held office in the War Cabinet since the political union. Left to his own resources, and embarrassed by the work that had accumulated during the absence of the Peace envoys, the Prime Minister set about preparing the programme of essential legisla- ' tion for the House to consider. . It was no light responsibility. The sudden dissolution of the Coalition must have upset many of his calculations, though that was not apparent at the time. Naturally the measures brought down did not receive the consideration they would normally have received. The year was growing late, and it was necessary to rush matters in order to make way for the election campaign. Notwithstanding these disabilities, the session's record is relatively a worthy one. A much-needed Housing Act was passed, and an equally important measure providing for the setting-up of what promises to be a real Board of Trade was placed on the Statute Book. In addition, the soldiers' gratuities were authorised, and the door of Parliament opened to the women. We are not suggesting that the credit for these things is the monopoly of the Government. From first to last, with one or two exceptions, Mr Massey found the House anxious to expedite business and usually amenable to reason. When we say the House, we do not always include the Labour wing, which was erratic and narrow when there was no justification for such an attitude. At times members, Ministers and exMinisters indulged in open electioneering. Here again, this was only to be looked for, politicians being but human. Of course, it was always the other fellow who was playing to the gallery. It is a fact that it was scarcely possible for the Government to mention expenditure without Sir Joseph Ward charging it with buying vote's. And what the Beformers said about Sir Joseph's manifesto was none the less pointed. So far as promises involving the spending of millions are concerned, there is nothing to choose between one leader and the other. It is in the Prime Minister's favour, however,, that his position as head of the Government gave his words greater authority and justification. He had the handling of the public funds; Sir Joseph could only say what he would do were he in Mr Massey's place. In this, and other ways, the Liberal leader at times overreached himself. When he cut loose from the Coalition he placed his hand on his heart and assured the constituency that what he had done was in the people's interest. Only the un-believably-credulous and party stalwarts refrained from cynical remarks. How could a politician plead for.unity in days of national stress and precipitate party division by his next act without being con-

victed of insincerity or inconsistency? That was exactly Sir Joseph Ward's position; still is. He has made it clear that his idea of unity is himself in power with the Reform wagon hitched to the Liberal star. As Mr Massey—who also stands for unity—has other views on this interesting matter, the parties are taking the field armed to the teeth. We fancy that the Prime Minister has improved his position during the session. We have never known him so conciliatory, so open to reason, as he has proved since Parliament entered on the final lap. The old spirit of intolerance, the hyper-sensitive-ness to criticism, well-meant or "loaded," were almost entirely ab- ; sent. When the House wanted progressiveness, Mr Massey obligingly consented. It looks as though he is beginning to learn at last. Sir Joseph's performance was not so impressive. For one with over 30 years' experience in politics, he talked and acted queerly on several occasions. Practically every time he launched an attack he was outpointed. These errors of judgment were often accompanied by an irritability which led him into exchanges not always dignified and certainly not always to his advantage. Generally, his showing was j indifferent. Whether that will af-. feet his chances next December it is impossible to determine. We have an idea that some of Sir Joseph's best friends have been disappointed in him of late. Perhaps balance and urbanity will return to him when the baltle opens.

CABINET IN A FUNK. The last stage in the Postal Bonus mystery is considerably more absurd than, the first Two or three weeks ago Sir Joseph Ward declared vehemently that a bonus had been promised to all Post and Telegraph employees, and should be paid by the Government. Mr replied that he would keep the promise if he could find it: so far he had not been able to do so. Sir Joseph said there was a Cabinet minute on the subject. The new Minister said-he had looked in vain for any such thing. Sir Joseph persisted, Mr Coates continued blandly stubborn, Cabinet took the matter up without doing anything, and Parliament closes now with the bonus hanging in mid-air. The very last word on the subject is that the monev will be paid—a trifle- of £300,000 or £4oo,ooo!—if a Judge of the Supreme Court can find definite evidence of a promise. What Cabinet exists for Mr Massey does not explain. It knows that Sir. Joseph Ward made a promise of some kind, either before or after consultation with his colleagues. It knows that whether the matter was officially approved of and recorded in a minute, no official disapproval was ever announced. It knows that the P. and T. men and women themselves have felt all along that the bonus was coming. In short, it knows everything that it nee%s to know but where to find the courage to offend either the public servants who are demanding more pay or the critics outside who are denouncing reckless extravagance. Cabinet is funking. Whatever credit or discredit attaches to Sir Joseph Ward in the matter—his attitude is not very obscure—it is the plain duty of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to handle this question themselves. If the payment is justifiable, let it be made; if it is not, Mr Massey will be adding to his reputation, even in the public service, by a courageous and resounding "No." Someone is going to be offended now whether the money is distributed or goes back into the national coffers. It is for the Government to see that the offence falls in the right quarter.