“DRAMATIC BEYOND EXPECTATION” IS SOUTHERN VIEW.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18614, 16 November 1928, Page 11

“DRAMATIC BEYOND EXPECTATION” IS SOUTHERN VIEW.

(Special to the “Star.”) DUNEDIN, November 15. Commenting on the result of yesterday’s general election, the Dunedin “Star” says?■ “The reaction from the 'Coates wave’ of 1925 has meant a debacle for the Reform Party. The result of the elections has been dramatic and subversive beyond expectation. The Reform Party was approaching the time when its natural decline, owing to duration of rule prompting staleness on its own part and weariness on the part of the electors, was to be looked for in accordance with all political precedent, when the advent of a new leader gave it a new' lease of life three years age. ifte enthusiasm for it which wa. revived then was short-lived. The expectations formed of Mr Coates were not fulfilled. Disappointment succeeded to over-extravagant hopes, and the process of reaction has caused his party to be punished out of proportion to its sins or its deficiencies. It has lost nearly one-half of its seats. It will not even be the strongest party if some who chose to call themselves Independents in the contest are found voting on the side of the Uniteds. It is not only to split voting that the Reformers can attribute their defeat. In no fewer than nine contests, their sitting members have been defeated by a candidate of one of the other parties where there was no third contestant in the field. A short early session must be held, at which Sir Joseph Ward will have the first right to move a vote of no confidence in the Government, which may be expected to be carried with the Labour Party’s support. A new Government must then be formed, which cannot be formed from the Labour Party, which will then be the weakest in the House. Whoever forms it must be assured of sufficient support from both the sections that are opposed to Socialism to allow it to continue and perform the country’s business, otherwise a new' election will be the only means of solving difficulties. The probabilities are that the support will be found.” NEWSPAPER VIEWS OF ELECTION SURPRISE. United Rule. Although later returns may slightly alter the results, it seems almost certain that the United Party will take office and keep it for the full Parliamentary term. It is inconceivable that the decimated Reform Party, with half its members holding their seats by only a few votes, will risk another appeal to the people. It is equally inconceivable that the impoverished Labour Party, with at least six of its seats very insecurely held, will want to face the electors again in a hurry. Therefore, we may look forward to seeing the United Party taking the reins of office and carrying on for the full term.— “ Manawatu Daily Times.”

Why Reform Suffered. We feel that the Reform Government has suffered largely for matters that were beyond its control; but the people have willed it, and Reform must give way for a while. After all, the party has held office for seventeen years. The one bright feature in the election results is that the country has not listened to the blandishments of the Labour Party. The party has gained a few seats, but the losses of the Reform Party have, for the most part, been the gains, not of Labour, but of the United Party.—“ Hawke’s Bay Herald.”

“ Amalgamation against Socialism.” As no party can claim a majority in the new Parliament, and the country is certainly not anxious to go through the unsettling process of a further general election, there would seem but one clear course. It is that of an amalgation of forces that stand for sane progress, for the cultivation of self-reliance in the individual rather than a leaning upon the State; in short, of a combination of those who are opposed to Socialism and all its works. —Taranaki “ Daily News.”

Preferential Vote Necessary. The election yesterday was at once a personal triumph for Sir Joseph Ward and a triumph for the cause he represents. Certainly it was the old Liberalism that acted as an inspiration, but the Liberal Party disappeared as a result of association with Reform during the war. The victory was gained with all the advantages of the split democratic vote which enabled more than half the successful Reform candidates to slip in with the support of only a minority. In these circumstances, another appeal to the country seems inevitable after legislation has been passed altering the electoral system in a manner which will ensure the application of the preferential vote to correct the three-party confusion. Sir Joseph asked for the opportunity to assist in the task of national regeneration. Sixteen years of looking on in anxiety while matters were let drift has fired him with a deeper spirit of resolution for the chance that now comes to him. —“ Southland Daily News.”

There is no necessity whatever for summoning the new Parliament in a panic to an v. -nergency session. It would be folly to do so on the eve of the national holidays. . . . Parliament should be summoned to an extraordinary session in the New Year. Then would be the right time for the crucial Party test. There is no valid reason why the Reform Party should not decide unhesitatingly to keep the United Ministry in office while applying a firm brake on the Government’s policy. Precedent supports such a course. It is not likely that any one oi the three parties will want a dissolution. Since the introduction of the payment of members there never has been a snap dissolution, and no party would be justified in causing administrative chaos. Meanwhile all the honours are with Sir Joseph Ward.”—Auckland ,“Suu”.

Sir Joseph’s Victory. Among the personal triumphs of the election the most conspicuous is that of Sir Joseph Ward. As the only candidate who had carried the old Liberal flag to victory at the General Election of 1925 he formed at the beginning of the late Parliament a party of one. Before that Parliament closed he had become the leader of the United Party as the only man who could give it a chance of justifying its name. He- has shown himself a fighting man, and the appeal which his name and his speeches have made to those who fought under him in the heyday of Liberalism have amply justified his party’s choice. In 1912 Sir Joseph was edged out of power by the Reform Party after an indecisive General Election. Another indecisive General Election now gives him the chance of returning the compliment with interest, for on this occasion there is no quesr tion of detaching a stray vote or two to determine a dubious balance. But before an early session is summoned to clarifj' the position we trust that Sir Joseph Ward may have reconsidered the problem in the light of his new responsibility, and come to the conclusion that neither in Opposition nor in office can the Liberalism which he has inherited from Grey and Ballance afford to co-operate with the Socialism of the Labour Party.—“ Evening Post,” Wellington.

Will Reform Join United? The position is such that even with the assistance of the Independents no party has a working majority, so that a fusion of two is the alternative to another election. Alliance between the United Party and Labour would not be acceptable to .the country, and it therefore remains to be seen whether the Reformers, who have always claimed to have inherited the Liberal mantle, will prove sufficiently progressive to give loyal support to the recognised Liberal leader.—Ashburton “Guardian.”

“Labour the True Alternative.” The indications are that the Coates Ministry and the hidden dictatorship of Sir Francis Bell, as well as the domination of the big financial and monopolistic interests, will soon be given the coup de grace. As remarked by the Leader of the Labour Party, however, the people have now to rely, as before, upon Labour as the true alternative to the other politicians, nearly all of whom in a greater or lesser degree stand for vested interests in one form or another.—“ Grey River Argus.”

"Rash Electioneering Promises.” Doubtless it will be urged that the set-back suffered by the Reform Party is due to varied- 5 causes, but we think it can be said that the Government has been held blameworthy for the difficult times through which the country has passed, while the refusal of the party to make, rash electioneering promises no doubt gave its opponents a considerable advantage.—“Timaru Herald.”

NEW MEMBER FOR WAIRAU SEAT. Mr E. F. Healy (United), who defeated Mr W. J. Girling (Reform) in Wairau, was born near Blenheim on September 28, 1869, and was educated at a State school. Mr Healy’s association with public life consists in membership of the Pelorus Road Board, Wairau Licensing Committee, school committees in Canterbury ajid Marlborough, and the Marlborough Patriotic Association. At present he is a member of the Wairau Hospital Board, Mr Healy holds executive positions with the Wairau Valley and Pelorus Hack Racing Clubs, Marlborough Trotting Club and Nelson Jockey and Trotting Clubs. He has successfully raced gallopers and trotters himself since 1889, and has acted as judge of light horses and fat stock at various agricultural shows. He represented Marlborough and. South Canterbury in Rugby football, and has been a member of the Blenheim and Nelson bowling clubs for many years. He is a past president of the Nelson Motorcycle Association. Mr Healy resides in Blenheim.

Lyttelton Seat. The recount of the Lyttelton votes will be made on Monday.