THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1446, 22 May 1912, Page 6

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

COMING CHANGES. When in Foxton recently, Mr. Edward Newman, M.P. for liangitikei, was interviewed by tho representative o£ thep "Manawatu Herald," and asked to give his opinion on tho present political situation. Sir. Newman said that in view ofi the statements reported to liavo been made) by tho Hon. ,T. ji. Millar and Mr. K. Hi Clark, member for Chalmers, tho defeat of the present Ministry was practically' assured. The only point upon which members of the Cabinet might be said to ngreo upon was that they should never all bo in Wellington at tho same time. They appeared to regard perpetual-, motion as essential to political success, with ths result that it was positively dazzling to try and keep pace with tlio Ministerial flights. .Any cxcuso will justify a Minister travelling from one end of New Zealand to tk« other. Last week tho Postmastej'-Gcneral journeyed from heaven knows where to liaugiwahia to open a post office that had already been open for tho transaction of - public business since November, 1911. Could anything bo more absurd? asked' Mr. Newman, and still they want mor<| paid Ministers. A return of Ministers'; travelling expenses from tho time of their, appointment unt.il the House moots would? ruako interesting reading. Asked his opinion as to what would! happen should the present Ministry ba>: defeated. Mr. Newman replied that it would bo a very difficult thing to fore-> cast. Personally, ho considered it waa ; tho duty of all politicians to sink minor' differences, and aim at securing a strong moderate and " progressive Ministry, and this could only bo done by tho obliteration' of party lilies a-s they existed before lasit election.