POLITICAL HISTORY

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1928, Page 6

POLITICAL HISTORY

Commenting on the political situa tion the “ Herald ” sees a parallel be tween the 1890 and 1928 elections.

In 1890, tlic Government, under Sir Hurry Atkinson, suffered a severe reverse by tlic Liberals under Mr Ballance. Tlie latter demanded die re situation of Sir Harry Atkinson in terms of tlie pledge -given by him prior to the elections. Sir Harry Atkinson refused to resign and said lie intended to call his Ministers together for consultation and that Parliament wou’d assemble as early as possible, but it would be inconvenient to do so before the end of -March. Mr Jiallance replied: “The unconstitutional nature O the act of a beaten Ministry continuing to hold oflice without tendering resignation docs not require- argument The inconvenience and loss to the country of such a course could hardly be exaggerated. It could not prepare a policy and it would meet Parliament in April without anything to put bet ore it. The result would be two sessions. Why should Parliament assemble t< greet a beaten -Ministry? What is there for Parliament to do? If Parliament assembles the Ministry wd have to resign, the Governor will send for the Opposition, the Opposition wiP then form a Ministry and Parliament will give that Ministry two or three weeks to formulate a policy. 'I hat wll mean two sessions and big expenses. The Premier has nothing to do with what may follow after his resignation. The Constitution provides •for that and the guardian of the Constitution at such a crisis is the Governor, who can send for any member of the House he may please to form a Ministry. To call the House together will he contrary to Constitutional usage, and can only be done to’enable present Ministers to hold office for a little longer ,and try the art of compromise.” The “ Herald ” contends that Mr P*:ill,nnce’s argument applies to-day, that there is no need for Parliament to resign at oiice.