THE POLITICAL SITUATION

Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1928, Page 2

THE POLITICAL SITUATION

COMING SESSION

PROSPECTS DISCUSSED

WELLINGTON, Nov. 26

A Gazette, summoning Parliament for the lnui'-action of business on December 11h. was issued this afternoon.

UNITED CONFERENCE

A GREAT SUCCESS

AUCKLAND. Nov. 26.

Mr A. J. Stall worthy, the member for Eden, declared to-day that tbe United conference in Wellington was a great success, and in every way satisfactory. Sir Joseph Ward’s statement was endorsed by every member present, and obviously all would stand whole-heartedly behind Sir Joseph and no stone would be left unturned to place tbe party’s policy on the statute book. The party’s success seemed to have endowed Sir Joseph Ward with renewed vigour to a surprising degree, and his health was much improved. He was intensely gratified with the personnel of the party. Mr Stall worthy was particularly impressed with Mr W. A. Bodkin (Celitral Otago). Messrs J. B. Donald and G. C. Mlinns (two other Aucklanders) were also delighted with the tone of tin conference, and both are optimistic concerning the future of the party. The feeling at the conference was that there would not he anther election till 1931.

SAVING TO MODERATES

LESSON OF THE ELECTION

WELLINGTON, Nov. 26

“As the result of the 1028 election there is an indecisive balance of power between the three parties, none of which is strong enough to rule alone.” said a Wellingtonian, who has been an fait with political affairs for many years. “If it were not for the factor of election expenses and salary, perhaps this three-party deadlock might lead to a dissolution and another general election in the hope that the electors might .give one of the three parties an absolute majority of votes, but most members of Parliament will bo anxious not to risk seats that/have cost them time and money, so it is likely some of them will solve the three-pary deadlock by deciding to cooperate in forming a Government. As Reform lias about twenty-eight seats, United, successors of the old Liberals, about twenty-seven, and Labour about nineteen, tbe first two parties are easily strong enough to co-operate in forming a Cabinet that would command a majority in the House of Representatives. It is true that Reform and United may quarrel about the terms, but the risks of another general elect:on will prqbablv persuade most of their followers to end the quarrel by

some give-and-take arrangement, resulting in a Coates-AA ard or A\ ardC’oatcs Government. Tbe Ward is the same Ward that figured in tbe Liberal regime. If the present difficulty is adjusted in that way then the bistoran of the future, may decide that 1028 did not register a very sharp political change, but a really sharp change lies ahead. The pendulum of popular favour will swing t ) Labour, and that party will then form a Government tor tin' lirst time in New Zealand. I bis view ha*- definite opposition. In many minds tbe view is held that Labour has no future in the Dominion, and the election is a plain declaration t> the extremists that tliev are not want-

'The swing to Die Liberals under the name of United is a genuine reversion to old Libera! ideas, and tbe future Mrs between a true Liberal partv and Conservatives of tbe old stamp, not tbe Reform camp, which is a Mend of I,'heralism. while retaining the Conservative hand that has nullified their

"fl'orts. particularly during the past three years, and so disgusted the electors. In plain terms Reform has been a double party at war with itself. Sir James Parr in the portfoUo of Educa tim has been followed for instatin' by the Hon R. A. Wright, their policies having nothing in n nimoii. and the same has applied in other Denartmets. Many people* would probably welcome another election, which they •think would bring out a stronger United candidature and a more definite result. ’>

'“WASHED OVERBOARD.”

MINISTER DESCRIBES SHTPAVRECK OF NOV. 1-ttli.

AVELLINGTON. Nov. 26

Commenting on the result of the elections and the effect on the ship of State, tbe Hon. R. A. Wright (at present Minister of Education) stated at a function on Saturday that the second male, the third mate, tbe fourth mate, tbe fifth mate, the bo’.sun and a number of able seaman bad been washed overbar'd. II bad been said that the Government, should resign.

“Personally.” lie said’. “I am opposed to that, and apparently tlit* Prime Almister is. too. for Parliament is to meet on December Itli. If Sir Joseph Ward had been- returned with a complete majority., it would have been the Government’s duty to resign at once, but tile .position is that no other party has a complete majority. I have no doubt as to the result when Parliament does meet. The Government will he defeated.

“Sir Joseph AA'ard will probably then be given a day or so to form a Cabinet He will then meet the House and ask for an adjournment to formulate a policy. That, to my mind, is a reasonable request. He will, in my opinion, then carry on till next June. AA’liat will happen then, I do not know.”

SOUTHEEN .MAORI

PETITION MAY BE LODGED

Inquiries are being made by sup-

porters of Air K. T. Terikateno, tile Ratana candidate for the Southern .Maori electorate, who was defeated by Mr Tuiti Alakitanara (United) on the casting vote of the returning officer, w.tli a view to ascertaining whether it is worth while applying to have the election declared void Yesterday morning a .Maori woman inquired from the returning officer regarding the procedure to lie adopted in lodging a ot lition. It is stated that there are cases of half-castes voting in the .Maori election. and also voting as Europeans. II a petition is lodged, the Court will lie .ski’d to disallow the votes' ot these eisons. The deposit required to lie made in ! s!giir: a petition t> have an election Iceland void is £2IM). and the question >i finding this sum is understood to be •m/aging I lie att'Otti n of the Alaors nierested in the matter.