THE ELECTIONS.

Colonist, Volume XL, Issue 8746, 21 December 1896, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE ELECTIONS.

In face of the assertions, oft repeated, that the Liberal Party in New Zealand had lost the confidence of the people, the result of the elections must have been a surprise to many people, and particularly to those who in good faith expressed the view we have referred to. At three successive elections have the people declared most forcibly their faith in the Liberal Administration, and Mr Be.aaon now holds a position amongst Colonial Premiers that is remarkable, inasmuch as he still continues to enjoy the confidence of a large majority, time and all the attacks of political opponents having proved insufficient to injure his position as head of the Government. This must be peculiarly gratifying to the Premier, but in face of absurd assertions that because the Premier is at the head of the Government, and necessarily has to take the lead, that he is supreme, and that the present is a one man Ministry, the victory is still more gratifying to the Party, who, while recognising the good services rendered by its chief, is independent <of individuals and impersonal iti -its constitution. When the late Mr Ballace was lost to the Colony and the Party, it was predicted by gome that the Liberal Administration could not long survive his decease, but we have now had two general elections since then, and continued confidence i^ reposed in the Government. The result of the polls must in the nature of things be in the highest degree pleasing to adherents of the Liberal cause, but a time of victory is also one of increased responsibility. As! each member elected has a duty to the whole of his constituents so has the Government a duty to the whole people of the Colony, and though it must ever be that those whose efforts are directed to elevating the people as a whole and protecting the weak will earn the enmity of some, it is incumbent on the Government to continue a just course regardless of feelings of illwill, but strongly desirous of inflicting no unnecessary or uncalled for hardship. That those who have now had additional responsibilities placed upon them will strive to advance the true interests of the people generally we are firmly convinced, and we sincerely hope that their efforts may be crowned with success. No doubt the Opposition are well pleased to know that such men as Mr Rolleston, Mr G. F. Bichardson, and Mr Scobie Mackenzie have been returned to the new Parliament, while Captain Russell and Sir Robert Stout still retain their seats. Nest to the success of the Government every member of which ha 3 been re-elected, it is gratifying to know that good men will occupy seats on the Opposition benches, for we should all be able to look forward to good services from an honorable and efficient Opposition. However, the Government has a very strong majority if the Independent Liberals are found with them, while even without their assistance the position fo the Ministry will be a strong] one. Irrespective of Sir Manrice O'Rorke, there are 37 Ministerialists, and G Independents, against 26 Oppositionists, and the Maori members have yet to be returned. Nelson, Westland and Marlborough have again sent a solid vote in the Liberal interests, and the people of this portion of the Colony have very strongly indicated their leanings. The excitement of the election is now at an end, and the one desire should be, as we trust it ever will be, that the true welfare of the Colony may be advanced by those who have been elected as representatives of the people.