The Waikato Times With which is Incorporated The Waikato Argus. SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 1923. TAURANGA ELECTION.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15185, 10 March 1923, Page 4

The Waikato Times With which is Incorporated The Waikato Argus. SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 1923. TAURANGA ELECTION.

Sir Joseph Ward's candidature for Tauranga has imparted a sense of vitality to politics which they have lacked of late. The Liberal Party have been sadly wanting in any constructive policy, and its leader had too much the air of a man speaking from a brief. We have not always agreed with the actions of Sir Joseph Ward in power, and have objected strongly to some of the proposals which he put forward when seeking power. Nevertheless, we recognise with every one in New Zealand the great experience which Sir Joseph Ward has had in the country's business; his grasp of departmental matters, his financial conscience, and the fertile and ingenious mind which he brings to the consideration of business. It is one of the objections to our present electoral system that a man of Sir Joseph Ward's experience and reputation could be kept out of the House by the action of a single ■ electorate, and if there were no other argument for Proportional Representation this would be a strong one.

Sir Joseph Ward as a candidate will no doubt evoke an extra amount of support, but at the same time he must anticipate an extra amount of opposition. It must, therefore, be uncertain whether he succeeds, but if he should do so the political situation will at once be altered, not only by the capture of a seat previously held by a Reformer, but by the fact that the Opposition will gather strength from the access-ion of a leader. In the curiously balanced state of parties this will probably lead to another general election, and while we may deplore the necessity for this, it must be admitted that the prospects of any Government carrying on successful administration are not great without a majority which gives a reasonable prospect of carrying required legislation. The tendency with both parties under such circumstances is to appeal to those whose votes are supposed to be guided by some temporary benefit which is obtained at the expense of future loss. This should certainly be avoided even at the cost of another general election, although undr existing conditions it is possible that the present state of parties might be repeated. It would, therefore, be ! well if both parties could combine to pass a reform in the present electoral system, before again appealing to the country. Mr Massey has promised to do so, and it is understood that he is inclined towards the Prefereniial Vote, which is operated in much the same manner as in Proportional Representation, but does not give the same opportunity of exercising a wide choice. Members of the House are opposed to the larger scheme, and in many cases for personal reasons- They have devoted time and trouble to the cultivation of some particular constituency, and fear that the support to be obtained thereby will not suffice. The country, however, is anxious to get away from the parochial politics which are the rule with us at the present time. It desires to have men who are interested in the questions which affect the whole country, and resents the constant appeal to roads and bridges as the motive which determines the fate of the country. Roads and bridges arc important matters which should be settled on their merits by a Board appointed for the purpose, which would deal at the same time with railways and prevent the construction of lines which cannot hope to pay, to the exclusion of others which are required. Above all, it would stop the existence of construction at ten or twenty different places, by which money is locked up, expense is incurred for supervision, and the time when lines are finished is indefinitely delayed. These arc some of the evils which we suffer owing to parochial politics, and there are members who would perpetuate the system. It. would be a great day for the Dominion when it could see this abolished, and the most hopeful method is that offered by Proportional Representation. Wc do not regard ttiis as a universal panacea, and can quite believe that it would develop faults of its own in the course of time. It would, however, be competent for those who suffered from them to propose a remedy. At present u is for us to endeavour to cure a system which is doing much harm and preventing the chance of doing good. We do not know what sentiments Sir Joseph Ward entertains towards electoral reform. lie has been out of politics for three years, and, able lo observe from outside. Kveryone will rejoice that his candidature is evidence that his health is re-estab-lished and those who desire the country's good will be. glad thai he can return if) polities, whatever may be the colour of their political creed. There are unfortunately not so many promising juniors in polities that the veterans can be spared. Whether the veterans can tiring their minds to introduce tin' reforms that are required remains lo be seen- There is in any ease a career for a party which will put forward the constructive pnli- ] r• i■ ■ s which are required, arid whieh ] will break away from the appeal for ! roads and bridge- on one -id' . and ' protection lo manufdi'liircrs on !!n ■itvr, rii"-i- *v the p!ink< 'Mi l\fcUi6h iM-i'Vtruittfttt;. (u v s ir=rUo'J, a.id

they arc scarcely substantial enough to base the policy of the country upon.