The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1908. THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2353, 20 November 1908, Page 4

The Gisborne Times . PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1908. THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

It was only to be expected that the Government organs would endeavor to minimise the importance of Ministerial reverses at the polls, but the fuller details which have come to hand since we referred to the subject in Wednesday’s issue, provide ample testimony that the.Govcrnment, though still in possession of a substantial majority, is in a very much weaker position than it was before the election. The further results to ensue on the second ballots must necessarily be problematical, but all the indications suggest that, when the final numbers go up, the Opposition will have been still further strengthened. Should such men as Messrs llerdman, Wright, Atkinson, Buick, and Gow be returned, the country will have a definite assurance that lor the future Hie Ward Government will have to be exceedingly- circumspect in its methods, or run the risk of having its majority- turned into a minority. It will still have sufficient support to carry into eJfect the policy- that has boon endorsed! by the people, but no opportunity will be given to play ducks and drakes with the public affairs of the Dominion. The lesson, of the, polls so far has been that the people of the Dominion are at last realising the advantage of having a strong Opposition to play its part in directing the legislation of the country and watching its administration, and that they appreciate- very cordially- the fine work that has been accomplished by Mr. Massey and his colleagues. It remains for the Bay of Plenty electors to do their share in emphasising this lesson at the second ballot which is to- be decided between Messrs McDonald and Gow. Thu former is an estimable gentleman, deservedly popular amongst those who know him. But in liis anxiety to enter political life he lias accepted the hall mark of Sir Joseph Ward and given the necossnry party pledges. If returned to Parliament he will simply make one vote more for the Premier to save the Government from the consequences of wrongful use of its position. Mr. Gow, on the other hand, if returned, will prove an able critic and, with his wider knowledge of political questions, would! prove one of the most useful members of the House. As a district member, Mr. McDonald would probably do good work, but, for the matter of that, so would Mr. Gow, whilst the gentleman from the northern end has a grip of national questions which we have in vain, looked lor in Mr. McDonald since the campaign was started. It would appear that thp final for tho Gisborne Seat is to be quietly contested, and this is as it should be. Before leaving the matter we should wish 1 to. join, with these who have regretted' the defeat of the Hon. Mr. MeNab. The late Minister of Lands had somewhat crude notions on land policy, but his administration .wag fairly sound 4 though his failure

-t<V satisfy the public mind in regard to the action of the Department over the Gisborne grazing runs was a distinct blot upon liis record; and this in all probability played an important part in his defeat. Our chief regret at his absence from the House is tne fact that as head of the very important branch of the public service, the Agricultural Department, ho was doing excellent service, and in this respect his place will be difficult to fill.