POLITICAL HISTORY

Hokitika Guardian, 20 November 1928, Page 6

POLITICAL HISTORY

WHEN REFORM CAME JN

Slit. JOSEPH WARD KEPT FAITH

The result of the 1911 election was very close, and neither the Reform party nor the Liberal party were able to sav definitely after reviewing the list of members which would be the dominant party in the Mouse. During his campaign, Sir Joseph Ward, who was then Prime Minister, definitely stated throughout the country that if he were not returned with a working majority he would resign. Me kept his word' by calling Parliament together for a short session in February of 15)12 and a no-confidence motion was immediately moved against the administration by the late Air Alassey. Despite the tact that Air illord was away m England and was not granted a pair by the then Opposition, Sir Joseph Ward won the division on the easting vote of the Speaker. Sir Joseph Ward then resigned, as he considered his majority was too precarious, and the caucus of the party elected Sir Thomas McKenzie (then Air AlcKenzie, member for Kgmont) as Prime Minister, and wlmt was known as the short-lived Cabinet came into office. The new administration carried on until. Parliament met in the ordinary course at the end of June.

Air Massey again took the opportunity to move a vote of want-of-confidenco in tlu' Government, and with the assistance of Air Gordon Coates, o*l Kaipara. Air Clark of, Chalmers. Mr Vernon Reed, of Bay of Islands, and Mr T. Rhodes, of Thames, who had all voted on the previous motion for Sir Joseph Ward, he carried the vote, the Liberal party went out of office and has never since regained the Treasury Benches.

The Government’s attitude is looked forward to with unusual interest throughout the Dominion.