A NEED FOR ABLE MEN

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 151, 23 December 1929, Page 10

A NEED FOR ABLE MEN

As was generally anticipated when the first count of votes was made, Mr. Nash has won the Hutt.seat for Labour. The new member will increase Labour's voting strength in the House by one; but this is less than the strength he will add to its debating talent. As a keen and able investigator of social and economic problems, he will be a useful member of his party and, under certain circumstances, of Parliament. His influence will be exerted, we believe, in carrying forward the moderating process which has been evident for some years in the Labour Party. His attention will be concentrated on practical problems rather than on the vague objectives of doctrinaire Socialists. But notwithstanding this, Mr. Nash is pledged to the Socialist policy, and such a policy, advocated by men who have the sense to keepi clear of extremism, is more dangerous than when its chief exponents are fanatical disciples of Marx and admirers of Lenin. The short steps of moderate Socialists lead to more trouble than the long strides which are talked of by extremists but nevor taken. In these circumstances it is the duty of the other parties, who do not favour Socialism, to consider what answer they can make to the electors—what they can offer which will be more attractive than Labour's sugar-coated "something for nothing!"

The Hutt result shows clearly that an offer in two parts—one United and one Reform—is not acceptable. Certainly Mr. Nash is a minority representative of the electorate, but that does not weaken his position. Reform and United should come together, and endeavour to end the perilous division of their forces. But it is not to be supposed that this will in itself be sufficient to assure a victory against Socialism. The non-Socialist parties must present a policy which is progressive and constructive and

yet safe. Such a policy cannot have the outward attractiveness of "something for nothing." To assure its acceptance, therefore, it must be presented by men who can carry conviction and inspire. confidence. The Socialist path looks inviting, and the people must be persuaded if they are to take the harder but safer road. With this persuasive capacity there must be administrative ability to make the success of the safe policy sure. This is essential at the present juncture, for voters are watching and comparing the performances of the Government with the promises of Labour. One of the greatest weaknesses of the Labour policy of promise is that the means for its attainment are not clearly set forth. But that may be overlooked if the attractions of the policy itself are constantly proclaimed by able debaters. It is of first importance then that the opposing parties should be able to answer effectively the alluring arguments addressed to the electors from the Labour benches of the House. We believe that the Labour view in politics should be set before the people and before Parliament; but it is one side of the question. It must be answered in Parliament and in the constituencies. It is the business of the opposing parties to tmd the men who can give this answer. We regret that in the Hutt by-election a candidate capable of giving great assistance in this task was not supported as he should have been on his merits.