The Wanganui Chronicle WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 1935. A NEW POLITICAL LEADER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 201, 28 August 1935, Page 6

The Wanganui Chronicle WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 1935. A NEW POLITICAL LEADER

puLITICS hi New Zealand are not a matter ol principles, but of personalities. The emergence of a new leader in the Dominion's political arena, is in consequence a matter of very considerable importance. Before considering the platform of the Democrat Party, therefore, it will be as well to consider the personality of the man who has been chosen by the new party, hi the first place it should be borne in mind that the Democrat Party has proved itself already .to be no longer a political, nebula—it is now definitely a party. Just as the butterfly casts off the chrysalis, so the Democrats have evidently east off the dominance of Mr. Goodfellow. Mr. Doidge appears to be in the same company as Mr. Goodfellow, and neither are in the position to dominate the new leader nor the party which supports him. This is a sign of strength which should commend itself to the party’s supporters. ■ Sir Alexander Herdman appears to have made it clear on his acceptance of the candidature for the Parnell seat that he would work with any combination which shall have for its object the driving of Messrs. Coates and Forbes from office. The spiritual home of Sir Alexander Herdman, therefore, is in the Democrat Camp. Whether the fact that he has not been selected leader will cause him to remain in an independent position is a matter which he himself will have to decide. A great deal of play has been made about Sir Alex, ander’s age, but should he find it possible to join forces with Mr. Hislop this criticism would be without a barb, for Mr. Hislop certainly has all the youth and vigour that is required for a party leader. Coming now to the leader himself, it must be said that he is a man ripe in education and experience. He is an excellent speaker and a cultured one which, for a New Zealand politician, is a refreshing change. Neither Mr. Forbes nor Mr. Coates arc inspiring speakers, and they appear never to have taken pains to equip themselves in that regard. In pjatform ability, therefore, Mr. Hislop is outstanding, and is the best asset in that regard that any of the parties possess. He outshines not only Mr. Coates and Mr. Forbes, but also Mr. Savage. He is a public speaker who will command audiences for his talents alone. But a public speaker is not necessarily a good public servant. Frequently it is the reverse position which is true. But here again Mr. Hislop is able to lay claims to a successful career as an administrator of one of the most administrately difficult cities in the Dominion. He has, as Mayor of Wellington, been an able civic administrator, he has gained experience -which is of inestimable value in the political field, and he has won more than his spurs in the realm of the law. His first appearance in the -Court of Appeal soon after his return from the war was so successful I hat the law reporters congratulated him upon his effort. it is idle to deny that Mr. Hislop comes into polities with marketable wares. To pretend that the Democrats are just a lot of spoil sports is both uncharitable and invalid. They are a real force and they have to be contended with. They occupy the place to-day which the Chronicle would have preferred the Reform Party to now be occupying. But the Reform Party has been led away from that position, not to it. If the Reform Party could be placed in its proper position, namely, that of the reforming element in the political life after the rack and ruin of the depression, it would have a splendid future before it. People had come to believe in the Reform Party, they felt a loyalty towards it which they do not feel towards the present combination which comprises the Government. This may be regrettable, but it is true, and it is just as well to face the facts of the present situation. Into this disturbed state of affairs then comes Mr. Hislop with his followers. In Wanganui Mr. Veitch and Dr. Adams are his supporters. Both of these gentlemen are men of experience in public life, they both have much to commend them to the public, and they both can'be expected to poll well under the leadership of Mr. Hislop. The Government is now lighting for its life and it must, if it desires to live, put its best foot forward in this fight. Mr. Masters and Sir Ernest Ransom have both made good speeches in defence of the Government’s record, but more will have to be done than has yet been done. If the campaign is pushed with sufficient vigour, defeat may yet be staved off. But the fight is a fight in real earnest. The public is politically minded and desirous of a change; therefore the Government’s ease must be put forward with ability and with strength, otherwise the verdict of the elections will be unfavourable io it.