The Wanganui Chronicle THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1935. A LABOUR GOVERNMENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 279, 28 November 1935, Page 6

The Wanganui Chronicle THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1935. A LABOUR GOVERNMENT

AS in oilier countries, the autumn ot depression, has brought the falling leaves of government to New Zealand. Carrying on through four years of crisis, the National Government has put into operation reconstructive measures along the lines of sound and proved business methods, but those measures, necessary though they have been, have proved unpopular, and -the party whose role has been non-co-operative and critical, has reaped the benefit of the sacrifices and inevitable mistakes. For the first time in New Zealand a Labour Government will take office. But the National Government will take its defeat in a sporting- spirit, acknowledging at the conclusion of a vigorous election campaign Labour’s steady progress and ultimate victory over the last two decades. In the democratic form of government which has stood the test in British countries and is the envy of the. world, all shades of political opinion in New Zealand are willing to place their trust, and the decision therefore is accepted as the verdict of the people. In the swing to Labour rural seats have been captured by the victors, and among the deieated are no fewer than three Cabinet Ministers. An outstanding feature of the election lias been the complete failure of the new Democrat Party, which at a late hour last night had not secured a single seat. Formed by certain interests which resented the reduction in interest rates and the mortgage legislation, the new party set out to attack the Government, anti especially Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, and it continued unheeding the sound opinion that the growth of this third political organisation was unwise, and that the best course was io give the Government general support, and to help, not to hinder it getting back on what was considered right lines. But such sound advice was disregarded, and the Democrat Party, under what proved to be weak leadership, cut right across the front of the forces opposed to Labour with the sharp edge ot factional strife. Then, to make the position more difficult, the fields of depression raised one of the thickest crops of Independents which have ever gone to the polls in New Zealand. The contusion which followed was the natural outcome of such a state of affairs, as was also the result of yesterday’s poll. But it is no use crying over spilt milk, and it may safely be assumed that the Democrats have learnt their lesson. The voting- in the Masterton electorate, where the entry of the Democrat Leader, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, took the seat from the Government and gave it to Labour, was typical of the effect of the party’s advent. Wanganui, fur the first time since 1911, has returned a Labour candidate, and there is irony in the fact that the victorious Labourite of twenty-four years ago was none other than Mr. \\. A. Veitch, deputy-leader of the Democrat Party, who was defeated at yesterday’s poll. The newcomer, .Mr. J. B. C’otterill, is a young man who has fought his first election contest, and his political opponents will be the first to congratulate him on his victory and wish him every success in the Parliamentary sphere. In the new Government which will be formed, Wanganui w ill be represented and will be assured of Mr. C'otteriJl’s best endeavours in the interests of his home town. Ju the neighbouring electorate of Rangitikei the Government loses a seat to another young Labour candidate. Air. Ormond \\ ilson, whose inclusion in the ranks will be a distinct acquisition to the Parliamentary Labour Party. The run of Labour successes up this coast is checked at Batea by the return of the National Government member, Mr. H. G. Dickie, who has proved himself a stalwart of the party. Mr. Dickie, who survives the Labour onrush, owes his success to his integrity and fair-mindedness in all his dealings, and through his knowledge of and leadership in the farming industry, which plays such an important part in the life of his electorate. In the remainder of the Taranaki electorates—Egrnont, Stratford and New Plymouth, the Labour thrust has also failed. . And so, as a result of yesterday’s poll, the Labour Party obtains the opportunity which it has long waited for. How it will use its power remains to be seen, but the country will not deny it a fair trial if moderate counsels prevail.