THE POLITICAL CRISIS

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1333, 10 January 1912, Page 4

THE POLITICAL CRISIS

4 PRESS OPINIONS. RECONSTRUCTION AND LEADER. SHIP. "HIS ONLY HOPE." (By TeleeraDU.-Sndrial Correspondcnt.l Wanganui, January 9. The Wanganui "Herald" fays in to> night's issue: "We have to confess lo a feeling of disappointment at the course which Sir Joseph AVnrd proposes to follow, viz., summoning Parliament early nest month lo enable it to deal with the situation itself. Apparently he has concluded that it is impossible for either himself or Mr. Massey to carry oli the government of the country satisfactorily in the present stato of parties, seeing that neither side can claim a decided majority. Wβ had hoped Sir, Joseph Ward would liavo made the way clear for a complete recou6truction of the Cabinet and a coalition of the Liberals with Labour, but ho hns decided Otherwise. According to his latest pronouncement there will bo no reconstruction of the Cabinet at anyrate for the present, and ho intends to meet Parliament with his old colleagues. Wo have good reason to believe that the four Labour members would unreservedly support tho Liberals provided Sir Joseph Word retired from the leadership, in which case the party could claim a clear working majority. H may be that members of (he Liberal party are not willing to sanction the suggestion that Sir Joseph. AVard should, thus retire, and prefer lo stand or fall with him. That, of course, is a very loyal thing to do, but we doubt its wisdom. \Vo. question too whether Joseph Ward can secure a majority on a no-confidence motion as he snetgests," The "Chronicle" says: "Sir Joseph Ward has at last consented to relieve publio suspense and tho announcement that Parliament will be called together to consider tho political situation on February 15 will occasion general satisfaction. The Prime Minister's assumption that the result of a crucial no-confidence division will show him to be possessed of a smnll majority may be taken for what it is Worth, and that we think is very little. Indeed, it was scarcely to be expected that he would confess himself beaten, although it is a matter of common knowledge that so far as die two main parties are concornod ho is certainly in a minority, and his only hope is lo capture a sufficient' number of the Independent and Labour members to give him tho necessary majority. If reports speak truly he has, diirins the oast few twcks, . been making strenuous efforts to achieve this object, but it htts yet to h( demonstrated that his efforts have been successful. Personally wo do not believe that any scheme of Ministerial reconstruction designed to ensure the continuation in office of the existing Government will meet with popular acceptance. The country is auxionn for a chance, a. complete change, and a complete change it will have." ~ WHEN THE HOUSE MEETS. (By Telegraph.—Special Correspondent.! Auckland, January 9. Eeferring to the political (situation, the "Herald" says:—We have never doubted that Sir Joseph AVard would act in defeat with a dignity worthy of his office and compatible with the part ho has taken in Imperial Councils. No statesman ol repute and standing who found that a general election had shattered his party and placed in a minority those pledged to support him could cling to place in defiance of constitutional practice and clearly-defined public opinion. That Sir Joseph AVard will bo defeated very speedily after the House meets is only questioned by those politicians who would have clung to office in defiance of publio opinion until the latest moment they could contrive. We do not doubt that the Primo Minister is fully prepared for de-feat,;;and-'thht ho is equally prepared to resign office and to extend to Tiis successful opponent tho customary courtesies and facilities requisite in order that a new Government may satisfactorily assume its duties;" Mr. Massey will have no difficulty whatever in forming an Administration which should be superior in the eyes of (ho public to that array of all the talents recently autocratic in New Zealand. AVhen ho has formed his Administration and has presented his proposals to a roassomblcd Parliament, wo do not hesitate to say that they ivjll be found commendable by every section of the community which desires equity and progress. "RATHER DISGUSTED." (By TelccraDh.-SDocia! Correspondents Wanganui, January 9. Here as elsewhere tho political situation continues to be incessantly discussed. A prominent member of the' Liberal party said to mo to-day: '.'lf only Sir Joseph A\ r ard had pluck enough to face too position at once ho would have saved' himself and his party no end of trouble in future, but alf this marking time and interviewing of doubtful ones makes Uβ feel rather disgusted." GREAT OPPOSITION GATHERING. (By Tclccraph—Press Association.) Auckland, January 9. A great Opposition gathering will Ixi held in tho Town Hall at the end of the nionth. Mr. Massey and many of hie supporters from all parts of the North Island will be present. DR. POMARE'S POSITION. Auckland, January 9. A large Native meeting has been called for January 2!) at AA'anhi (Mahuta's Settlement) to' consider the position of Dr. PouKire, member for AA'csteni Maori electorate, it being alleged that he is not eligible to sit as a Maori representative owing to being a quarter-caste.