The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY. JUNE 26th, 1924. POLITICAL PROSPECTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 June 1924, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY. JUNE 26th, 1924. POLITICAL PROSPECTS.

Wrrif llio opening of Parliament to-day and the.* reports circulating as to tho uncertainty of the Ministerial position, public interest in the progress of the session will be watched very closely. That the Government has its hands full is evident from the Premier's guarded statements as to the work of the session. Chief interest, however, "ill have been aroused by the definite statement of Mr Dickson, the Government Whip, who predicts an early election. This is quite contrary to the burden of the Reform statements given out by Ministers and their henchmen, so that there is the feeling growing that where there is smoke there must be some creative cause. The Reformers apparently are preparing for possible contingencies, so that we may take it a dissolution more or less early is not a remote probability, Aa another I phase of the political situation, there is I the newspaper talk about thn liberals I

supplanting Mr Willord as leader, and some unknown quantity being dramatienlly brought to tho fore. It is not the first time that efforts more or less determined have Ik-pu made to cause Mr Willord's abdication. But that gentleman bits managed to bold the fort. Recently be lias been on a political tour of parts ol the Dominion, and it would appear to be suicidal at this stage to talk ol .swapping horses. One of the suggested leaders is Mr W. D. Hunt but that gentleman is not. in Parliament. Another is Mr I’ollestoit. the promising M.P. of Timaru— but be lias not been approached yet, and incidentally lias bad but very little parliamentary experience. There remains a third suggestion. Mr Hamm M.P.. of Invercargill. where the smoke first appeared, but that gentleman, while be has certain abiltios. hardly possesses the (pad. ities of a Dominion leader. On the Whole, we should say. Mr Wilford’s position at the head of the party is secure. but with three Richmonds in the field, it is at. least pleasing to know the Liberals are not likely to be leaderless. There arc whispers of some dissensions among the I.abor group, tine Canterbury member is said not to be a persona grata just at present, while one Auckland member might cross over to another party, ami assert hi- independents*. What these is in these rumours remains to be seen when the parties adjust themselves as they sunn "ill through party divisions. Probably the most interesting feniu e of the "hole political situation is the talk of a Hclnrm-Lihcrnl fusion. This ionics eltielly Inmi si nines euimeeted with the funner. It is said there is a strong feeling in that direction particularly in the North Island. The proposed legslation in regard to electoral reform, which "ill afreet cities in particular, may lie the driving force, for there is the feeling that unless the fusion comes to pass, I.abor by its better organisation "ill capture most, of the cit.\

seats. Some Ministers on that accout are believed to he in jeopardy of the seats, and the prospects an* dislnrl

ing. There have been coalition rumours in this direction Itcfore. but they seem to he more insistent just now, and tire emanating from quarters which carry a good deal of influence. However, the events may not lie anticipated. It is a matter for the time being of waiting and seeing- but there should not- he long to wait.