“THE ACID TEST.”

Hokitika Guardian, 20 November 1928, Page 1

“THE ACID TEST.”

parliament must meet

LABOUR WANTS RESULT'S

“To me it looks as though the Government should either resign or call Parliament together immediate y. That is real I v the boiling down prouess. All the talk in the world will not provide a solution to the difheiilties of the Government nearly so quickly as to get the members to Wellington and find out how they are gong to vote. That is Hie acid test.” This t-la tomcat was made last week by Mr M. -I. Savage, M.P., Deputy-Leader of the New Zealam Parliamentary Labour party, in discussing the political situation as it stands alter the poll. He added that it was improbable that any party would make a definite statement relative to the situation at the moment for fear that it might he interpreted as binding on its supporters. He doubted even if the Prime A|: Mute!' would do so. and Laboiu attitude towards the other pnrtio* would be decided when the H-Wow tarv Labour party met. ‘'One thing that must happen however, is an ear > session of Parliament if the Government docs not resign immediately, ho said. ‘‘The latter will M adopt (lie same procedure as they <" • after the elect-oils in 1022. that is. <"•' a short session and ascertain vlmthcv they still have the confidence of the House. On that occasion they secured sufficient recruits from the Liberals to

carrv on. . . “As far us can he forecasted, it is possible the same thing will haepen this time as a number of the United representatives have pledged tliemcMves to unite with the Government against Labour. The question of the conflicting pledges has to be taken into consideration. The older members n f the United Party have left thine- in doubt as to their attitude in the past hv always voting with Hm Government, but the new inHueiires ,n-..v result, of course, in the party standing aloof from Reform. I would say in the natural course of events the two parties will come together. So far as Labour is concerned, we want results, and whatever progressive legislation is brought forward is likely to find our support. We cannot emphasise this fact too milch. Me arc not satisfied with Reform and a w'atiit-of-conlrdonfto motion presented

to Parliament is hound '«« get otir support. After that we have to be guided bv the nature • f the legislation of anyone who is likely to form a Ministry. Bui we have lived in hopes of a chaio/c for so long and have been disappointed so often that we might be disappointed again and find the Government carrying on with the assistance of certain United members. The result of the election, is a favourable sign, as if shows that the people are on the move.”