THE POLITICAL SITUATION

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 150, 8 July 1905, Page 2

THE POLITICAL SITUATION

A FOURTH TARTY. UNION OF COUNTRY MEMBERS,

'Wellington, Monday. New political developments, even thus early in the session, are following one upon tho other in rapid succession. , Yesterday I sent some particulars of the strength and objects of tbo now reform or third party, which gave such foroiblc ovidenoe of its vitulity on Friday night. Following closely in the wako of this remarkable demonstration of activity on the part of Mr Taylor’s section, comes the announcement of a counter move in tho formution of yet another party. This is a oountry party, composed of country members on the Ministerial side of the House. Signs of such a combination have not been wanting for some time past, and the expediency of a consolidation of forces huß now been determined upon as a rosult of the forward move made by tho Taylor porty. This fourth party is yet in a nebulous Btate, but its formation has been practically decided upon, and it is proposed to take up a strong stand in the defence of oountry interests daring tho session. Mr Rutherford, tho member for Hurunui, is the leader of the now movement, and already ho is understood to have associated with him such firm Government supporters as Messrs R. McKenzie, Colvin, Houston, Jennings, Major, Symes, and Bennett. These members are claimed as “ dead certainties." There are also some four or fivo others who are expected to give tho party their “ moral support,” but who do uot care about uvowing their allegiance just now, owing to the fact that their constituencies include small towns.

Something of tho aims of the party had been brought about as stated in consequence of Jthe strong aggressive ‘attitude taken up by the Taylor party, he admitted that such was the case. The fourth party, ha considered, was necessary for defensive purposes in the interests of the country settlers.

“ The Government has,” he Baid, “ gone quite far enough already with their labor legislation, whioh has of late years been altogether in the interests of the city people. Now we are threatened with a further danger from these ‘ loft wing extremists, and if they continue sb they have started we shall probably And Mr Saddon trying to plaeato them by oSering to take one or two of their numher, say, Messrs Bedford and Laurenson, into the Ministry. We have, therefore, as oountry members, decided to unite for our own protection.” “ What numerical strength do you count upon ? ”

“ Well, we have already got eight, and we think we can get 12. Some think we can got more, but I place it at 12.” ” I notice that the eight members are all Government supporters.” •‘Yes,” was the reply, “we need not trouble about she Opposition, as wo can rely on them voting with us. They have 24 members, and our 12 {Jill make 36. Then on most matters we can probably count on, say, five of the ‘left wingers’ also voting against the Government. This makes a total of 41, whioh would just give us a majority.” “ What are tho principle aims of the party?” ■“ We have not,” the member replied, “ formulated any platform., We propose to discuss every measure affecting country interests on its merits, and if it does not satisfy us we will go to the Government, and say this must not go in, or that must go in, and if you do not give us what we want the Opposition will.”—New Zealand Herald.