WHERE LABOUR STANDS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18291, 14 June 1929, Page 8

WHERE LABOUR STANDS.

Claiming to “know the heart of the Labour Party,” Sir E. J. Howard, Labour Member for Christchurch South, has been giving his views on the political situation. The sudden burst of Labour oratory, after a significant silence, may 'be regarded as a reminder to Sir Joseph Ward and his colleagues in the United Cabinet, that after all the new Governifient is without a majority in the House of Representatives, and its destiny reposes in the camps of its political opponents. The Member for Timaru, however, after consultation with the Chief Whip of the Labour Party, has made the definite statement that “the Labour Party would not welcome another election, as the Party has not any money to face it with.” On the other hand, Mr Howard makes the bold statement that if the United Party displeases Labour, the Party will vote against Sir Joseph Ward no matter what the consequences. “There lias been a threat,” said Mr Howard, “a gloved hand threat by the United Party, that if the Labour Party do not like their legislation they will go to the country.” Mr Howard’s reply is that Labour will accept that challenge,” and if necessary will “go into the political wilderness.” Obviously a clash is inevitable, since Sir Joseph Ward is not in the mood to accept the dictation of any Party. Supporters of the United Party in all parts of the Dominion have been telling the new Cabinet that the whole country is behind the new Administration, and that an appeal to the electors would result in the complete destruction of the Reform Party and the loss of Labour seats! It is all very fine in theory, but electors invariably produce surprises. It is not certain, how;ever, that a dissolution would be granted if the United Party were defeated in the House. Such a development would be complicated by the pledge given by Sir Joseph Ward to support Mr Holland and the Labour Party on a no-confidence motion moved against Mr Coates. If then, the United Party were defeated and in tlie political upheaval that might follow, Mr Holland were invited to form a Government, how would Sir Joseph Ward and his followers vote in view of their election pledges? “The greatest problem the House has to face,” says Mr Howard, “is this unemployment question. I notice a Committee is to be set up to ascertain the cause. To me the cause is clear, but what is the cure?” He made reference to the importation of articles that could be and were being manufactured in New Zealand as one of the causes of unemployment, and then went on to say that there was no real difference between the Reform and the United Parties, supporting this argument by reference to the United Party’s attitude to Samoa. Sir Joseph Ward had not altered in any shape or form the bad administration established by the Coates Government. The Labour Party contended that the Samoans had been badly treated, and they would raise that question in the House. Doubtless this pronouncement will have a disturbing effect on the political situation, more particularly in view of tlie United Party’s studied cold-shouldering of the Labour Party, and Mr Holland’s persistent claim that he is the kingmaker, with power in his hands to make and unmake Governments at will. One thing is certain, however, that the country looks forward to an interesting and perhaps an exciting session.