"POSSESSION IS NINE POINTS OF THE LAW."

Horowhenua Chronicle, 15 December 1911, Page 2

"POSSESSION IS NINE POINTS OF THE LAW."

As far as wo can ron dtflie results of the General Elections which terminated yesterday, we see a position established which gives to Labour .a "whip, hand'' in politics. Those perfervid Oppositionists whose votes of yes-terday contributed so greatly towards effecting this end now may be counting the cost a trifle ruefully. We «iy ruefully, because it should b eapparent to them now that amidst a. ?loihl of doubtful possibilities the greatest likelihood is the continued tenure of a,n opposition coign by Mr Massey. - Tlie Government is certain to be backed u,t> by the-three Maori members .and by one or twb Labourites (possibly three, as •McLaren yet may defeat I>j\ Newman), in the meantime the Government holds firm possession bf the Treasury, Benches. It is a good hand to sit behind in the game of politics—the more i so when remembrance is had l of- the present state of

parties. Certainly no stable Government is likely to be evolved from tli© heterogenous assemblage . now comprising the several divisions against tlie Government, and the alternative probabilities alhead are a fresh generai election soon after Parliament assembles or a. Coalition Ministry formed from the more stable elements of the two parties with a view to circumventing the newer forces that have arisen in the dominion's political arena.. As a choice between two evils, most people will prefer the turmoil of another general election. In the meantime, the Government will be quite justified in retaining office.