THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 426, 30 December 1911, Page 5

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

| PRIME MINISTER'S INTENTION. i i A PARTY CONSULTATION. i The political situation continues to engage widespread attention, though the holiday season for the time being has created a diversion for public and politicians generally. A message from Wellington on Thursday stated that Sir Joseph Ward had been on a visit to Christchurch, where Lord and Lady Islington are residing at present, and a good deal of speculation has arisen regarding the probable objects of his conference with his Excellency, but it is certain that the Prime Minister has no immediate intention of resigning before consulting with members of his party. It is said that invitations have been issued by telegram to members supporting the Government to meet in Wellington.

The opinion in well-informed circles is (hat members will make a complete reconstruction of the Cabinet a condition of their support. The sweep made of Ministerial supporters in the North Island is accepted as a clear indication of want of confidence in the Government throughout the Northern electorates, and the Ministry must be strengthened by the inclusion of some capable North Island representatives. Messrs A. M. Myers and Vernon Reed are spoken of as the most likely members in the running as Ministers representing Auckland, and the fact that Mr Myers sits for a city constituency, and was returned by such an overwhelming majority, is regarded

as giving him the first claim. But a seat in the Cabinet, in view of the state of parties, is not an office to be coveted, and any member asked to accept such a position would doubtless hesitate before placing himself under fire from an Opposition who will be embittered by any attempt to deprive them of the fruits of their successes at the polls. The political situation is altogether a very interesting one, and Sir Joseph Ward will find great difficulty in forming a Ministry which could carry on the business of the country through next session of Parliament.

Sir Joseph Ward met the South Island members of the Liberal party at Christchnrch on Thursday. Those present were Sir A. R. Guinness, Messrs Ell, Isitt, Davey, Russell, Laurenson, Witty, Dickie, Buxton, Craigie, Seddon, McCallum, Colvin, Thompson, Forbes, Hanan, and Sidey. The conference lasted for two hours, and at the conclusion Sir Joseph Ward said the meeting was a private one. He had no communication to make to the press. Wellington, This Day. A number of Liberal members representing the North Island constituencies, had a private conference with Sir Joseph Ward at his residence last night. Nothing has tranpsired as to the result of the gathering.