WELLINGTON NOTES

Hokitika Guardian, 18 July 1923, Page 1

WELLINGTON NOTES

POLITICS AND PARTIES. [Special To The Guardian.] WELLINGTON, July 1(3. Members of the House of Representatives have not been taking the debates on the Addresx-in-Keply and the Budget very seriously and between sittings and speeches they have found plenty of time for the leisurely discussion of the political situation. The subject is of more interest to most of them at the moment than is any of the legislation yet produced for their consideration. With little else to engage their attention they have been exchanging views and confidences, almost regardless of party, with a freedom that had not been know in the lobbies for many a long year. One thing made apparent by this state of affairs is that the Reform discipline is not so rigid as it was when Air Massey had a substantial majority at his back. The position is rather as it was after the general election of 1911 when the Liberals realised suddenly that an alternative to tlieir “Continuous Ministry” was in sight. The. important difference between the two situations is, of c-mrse. that while Sir Joseph Ward eleven years ago was confronted by a united and vigorous Opposition. Mr Massey to-day is faced by a divided and somewhat debilitated one. MARKING TIME.

So for Afr Massey Has shown no disposition to force the position, as Sir Joseph Ward was compelled to force il at the first mooting of Parliament in 191 ‘2. Probably his policy will he to put through such legislation as ho roquires this session, with the assistance of tiie three Liberal votes placed at his disposal, go lmme to the Imperial Conference at the appointed time and call Parliament together early next: year to consider afresh its attitude towards the Government. The House, judging from lobby gossip, would ho agreeable to this I rogramme. The throats from the Liberal and Labour Parties to keep the Prime Minister here till he has done this, that and the other thing are not being reiterated. But ehe I her his position would he I etter or worse seven or eight months lienee is a debatable question. Tie certainly would be sn inut-li nearer to the regular time for a general election, and to that extent would have a more plausible excuse for asking for a dissolution: but it is doubtful if the Governor-General would allow him even then to appeal to the constituencies without- first giving the 0-,i|Ktsition an opportunity to form a Ministry. This is the view of the situation taken by tile lobby gossips. FOR ELY PERPLEXED.

But without looking ahead for further troubles it is obvious that for the present ilie Prime Binister is sorely perplexed. It is easy to see now that had lie been concerned for Bis own personal interests alone he would have fared much heller had he tendered his resignation when the result of the general election became known definitely and recommended the Governor-General to consult t!n> leader of the Opposition. This would have been a master-stroke which would have sadly disconcerted Alt' Wilford and his parly. They would have been quite unable to form a Min istry with any ciiance of attaining stability and in the end -iis Excellency would have been compelled to recall Aft Massey in help the country out of its dilemma. Then the Prime Minister would have been entitled to ask for assurances from the Liberal .Party, and, failing these, for a. dissolution within some reasonable time of his own choosing. But instead of this he has elected to remain dependent upon the three Liberal members who bare gone over to him witlfout surrendering their right to vote against his measures. As a rule it- would he an extremely presumptuous person who would attempt t () teach Air Alassey anything concerning party tactics, but in this case beseems to have exercised less than his a<i ustomed sagacity. ACC'I'M ELATING Tll () FBI. FS. That Air Alassey would have found the hold course the better one there can be little doubt. It would have saved ltiut front dependence upon lortuit--ous support : it would have relieved him front the necessity ol making appointments to various high offices al a time of exceptional difficulty, and it would have invited no aspersions upon his courage and leadership. -As it is he must see himself unmistakeahle signs o*’ disintegration within his own party. Afr St athain's nomination to the Speakership. admirable as the ciioii'i- was in itself, was the beginning of his troubles. Several aspirants for the position on Ids own side of the House wore left with a feeling of soreness. Then the selection of a. .Minister in succession _l<> Air K. P .Lee was held in suspense lor an unconscious length of time. The delay encouraged the circulation of a score or two of unpleasant rumours and the ultimate appointment crested another hatch of disgruntled Reformers, each with a certain number of affronted friends. The Tlonse to a man "olds Air Bollard in high personal esteem, hut it does not regard him as an acquisition of strength to the Ministry. Now the chairmanship of committees is '" the ai- and is said to have been refused by one or two good Reformers who had been Inking higher. Verily Hie ‘‘> l 1)1 a Prime Alinistor at times is not « happy one.