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Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1923, Page 2

It has been indicated above that All .Massey may retire from the premierstiip on the occasion ot his return Irom the Imperial Conference. *1 his is political rumour, and it appears to have some foundation in the faet. that Air Massey is not. the persona gratia lie once was with the Reformers of the Dominion. In both Islands there is partv dissatislaction. The recent appointment to the .Ministry has created trouble among party supporters in the North as well as the South Island. It is said that some four good and true Reformers are not disposed just tiowto attend caucus meetings of the party, though still voting for the Government on crucial motions. 'lhis suggests a rift, and it is likely to grow now that n definite move has been made. It is significant this step has not been taken during Air .Massey’.- absence, hut it is conceivable that while lie is away and his personal influence is missing, events may occur to further precipitate the petition. There vs therefore some ground for believing that the repoit.s as to internal disintegration have some substance. For the sake of the party it remains to he seen who is to he the Acting-Prime Minister. It seems that of necessity it must be a member of the Lower House, or the break up ot the Reform party will bo more certain than ever. j

'With t ho date for t-e opening of the Arthur's Pass tunnel determined upon, it will lx? for this district to co-operate in celebrating the occasion to the best advantage. Since the earliest days, Hokitika and district has been allied consistently in agitating for the finishing of the lino. Of late years the Coast fins been much beholden to Can-

terbtiiy for influentiid help in speeding up tile work, .'so- -1- uhi Ateslland will in the lirst instance defer to the Canterbury Progress League’in ally offivial programme to mark the event. Next to that the distiict will no doubt associate itself generally with the local bodies on the Coast, in eelcbinting what should he a red letter occasion. It is unfortunate that owing to l’niliament sitting. Ministers will not he al»!o to come this far, ami to that extent it will be necessary to go East to meet, the representatives ot the Goieinment, to join in the official eelehiation. The district will rejoice exceedingly once the railway is in regular 01 oration. The present rigorous season of the year is u time to make the occasion double welcome, lor the ‘ o\er the hill’’ trip is very exacting in these cold mom is. The inter-communication east, and west is- thereto,re greatly to 1:0 appreciated, and no doubt there will he a monster roll out. ol folk to celebrate the occasion according to the official programme.