UNWISE ENTHUSIASM.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 January 1932, Page 6

UNWISE ENTHUSIASM.

Unless its tactics are radically altered the anti-'Socialist organisation in New South Wales known as the “New Guard,” is not likely to be taken very seriously. Its latest effort is an attempt to oust the Lang Ministry by means of a petition to the King. The allegations of disloyalty, upon which action 'by the Crown is asked for, may or may not be true. But the obvious reply to them is that the laws of the Common'wealth contain ample powers for the punishment of disloyalty, and that constitutional methods must be exhausted before such an exceptional step as action by the King could, even ibe considered. The leader of the “Now Guard,” Colonel Campbell, has solemnly warned the Premier, Mr. J. IT. Lang, that . the “Guard” will not allow him to officially open the Sydney Harbour Bridge in March. 'The gallant colonel will have himself to thank if his outburst of egotism is regarded, by most people as akin to the well-iknown etory of Bill Adams winning the battle of Waterloo. Whether the 'Premier of the State or an even higher dignitary be chosen to open the Sydney (bridge is primarily a domestic matter. Furthermore, Mr. Lang is Premier -by the choice of the State electorate, and however much his policy may be detested and this political actions deprecated he must Ibe deposed in the samo manner if confidence in his administration no longer exists. To remove him from office by any other means would imply that democratic rule could not be trusted. Seeing that Australia has just evidenced that there is no need to mistrust the common sense of the electorate when it is put to a real test, the political acumen of the leader of the “New Guard” does not shine in comparison with that of the opponent to whom he has addressed such doughty words of Warning and admonition. If the “New Guard” or any. other political body desires to root out Communism or Socialism, or any other false teaching, it must do more than make promises, or issue threats. Thorough organisation, patient educational effort and long and continuous hard work are essentials in successful political campaigning. . Any suggestion of rule by force if it is not nonsense is something that must be sternly condemned, no matter from what political camp it may emanate.