THE PRIME MINISTER'S EXIT.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1486, 8 July 1912, Page 6

THE PRIME MINISTER'S EXIT.

It would be an ungracious thing to overlook the admirable manner in which the Prime Minister, the Hon. T. Mackenzie, finally faced defeat at the hands of Parliament on Saturday. We found fault, and with good reason, with the pitiful appeal which the Government, through its leader, made to its followers by way of circular letter offering to resign if members would only stand by it.on the no-confidence motion then under discussion. But while we had nothing but contempt for so paltry a kick, we have nothing but admiration for tho spirited and dignified manner in which Mr. Mackenzie faced the House, and in acknowledging defeat, yet found fcimo to 'pay tribute to his opponents and warm thanks to his friends. Probably Mr. Mackenzie never stood higher in the esteem of Parliament flian when he resumed his seat after his very fine speech made under such trying conditions. , The bitter attack subsequently made on him by his lato colleague, the Hon. R. M'KenZIE, fell fiat after such a speech, and while members may havo felt that some of the criticism was deserved, they showed their disapproval by a stony silence. Indeed, tho conduct or the Hcforra party throughout the debate, and especially during the c [°sing hours, was wholly commendable. The silence in which they took their victory was in marked contrast with the ebullitions of joy with which the Wardists signalised their win on the casting vote of the bpeaker in February" last. There certainly was much less party bitterness shown in last week's debate than during February, which is no doubt due in a measure- to Mr. Mackenzie:s leadership. His conciliatory methods smoothed away unpleasantness, whero Sir Joseph Ward's aggressiveness assisted to create it