A CHANGE OF TUNE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1123, 17 December 1914, Page 6

A CHANGE OF TUNE.

"DOMINION'S" "COMPROMISE OR DISSOLUTION. (Special to the " Star.") WELLINGTON, December 17. Discussing the changed political situation due to Dr M'Nab's return, the ''Dominion" drops its bitter antiWard attitude,, suggesting that only two courses axe open—compromise or dissolution. ..'."'

" The country, 53 it says, " does not want, another general election. Those controlling; its affairs should be in a strong position, free to concentrate the whole of their energies on meeting the heavy ; responsibilities which must necessarily rest on them in the exceptional circumstances occasioned by the war. Neither Mr Massey nor Sir Joseph Ward could hope to be in this position under the existing state of parties. A further appeal to the electors would mean that Ministers would have to neglect for a time that close attention to their official duties so necessary at the present juncture. The country would onoe more suffer from the disturbing effects of a general election, possibly without a sufficiently decisive result to roniedy the existing disability. Under the conditions, it seems to us the-obvious duty of the leaders of. the two principal parties to cpnioi together and see it some basis for a working agreement, mutually satisfactory,, cannot be arrived at. This may at.first sight appear . distasteful to both . parties, it would involve sacrifices by both' parties; but if there ever was a time when the party politician should rise superior to the narrow interests of party and place the. interests of his country'above all others, it is now." The "New Zealand Times," answering the "Evening Post's" coalition suggestions, remarks:—" If it happens that victory rests with the Liberals, we" conclude it may be taken for granted that the progressive party will have the support of the Masseyites in carrying on. the-government'of the country free from party strife until the war crisis has ended, lliis is surely what the argument of our contemporaries amounts to."