The Star. TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 1919. THE LEADERS’ RETURN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12711, 5 August 1919, Page 4

The Star. TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 1919. THE LEADERS’ RETURN.

The two political leaders—Mr Massey and Sir Joseph 'Ward—have returned to the Dominion, and it should not be long before they make their presence and influence felt. . They have been away on a supremely important mission, and their most severe critics must admit that they have fulfilled their duties faithfully and well. It was eminently desirable that New Zealand’s views on Empire problems, particularly in relation to the Pacific,- should bo put plainly before the Peace Conference. The delegation performed that service, and it is no empty compliment to them to say that the influence of their representations is to be seen in the Peace Treaty, They are returning, however, to face problems which are more pressing because they are immediate ami domestic. The country, is passing through a trying time, and is in an acute state of discontent. To some ex tent the absence of Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward lias contributed to the prevailing dissatisfaction. Their lieutenants have not grappled with ■ the large and pressing problems which have arisen, preferring to allow matters to slide rather than shoulder the responsibility'involved by the adoption of a hold policy. The result has been an ac cumulation of troubles, which will require all the ingenuity’ and enterprise of the leaders to solve- The coal short age, the railway restrictions, the high cost of living, the housing problem, land settlement and repatriation—these are only a few of the questions which have to be faced. An announcement by the leaders of their intentions will be awaited with much interest. They will probably desire to consult their colleagues before making any statement, but in the course of the week the country should be informed of tha position. It is inevitable that a shon session of Parliament should be held in the near future, and the co-operation of the Liberal and Reform parties may reasonably be looked for to place on the Statute Book the legislation made necessary by the ratification of the Peace Treaty. We cannot believe that the House will attempt any considerable amount, of domestic legislation. The time left is too short, and the country is demanding a general election this year. The election must be held before Christmas, so the session cannot possibly extend very far into November. The political situation in New Zealand is full of interest. There is still a vain talk about a combination between Liberals and Reformers against extreme Labour, but practically all the support, of that idea is coming from the Reform camp. The Liberals have already declared that they cannot assent to the combination, and they believe that Liberalism has still the support of moderate "Labour, which refuses to he led by demagogues whose stock-in-trade is an assortment of half-baked ideas. The extremists have no hope of capturing the electorate. They are making much noise, but when tire test of a general election is applied it will be found that the disturbance is merely that or sounding brass and tinkling cymbals.