THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 429, 10 January 1912, Page 5

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

PARLIAMENT TO MEET. FEBRUARY 15th. [BY TKLEGRAFH. —I'RKSS ASSOCIATION'.] Wellington, Monday. The Prime Minister has forwarded the following statement to the Press Association: — "To the Electors of New Zeaaltid. "The present political situation is a very difficult one; it is not yet three weeks since the return of the writs, and this period includes the Christmas and New Year holidays. I have during the short time at my disposal fully inquired into the situation in all its bearings, and 1 have had the assurances that, on a want of confidence motion, I should have a small majority. I have, therefore, been urged to defer calling Parliament together until the ordinary time, or after the c'ose of the financial year. I have, however, fully considered the position, and I have satisfied myself that it is the wiser discharge of my duty that I should take the course I now indicate. The two main parties are practically even, and a small Independent section of members has thus the balance of power. I have all through been of opinion that Parliament alone I should deal with such a situation, and after the fullest and most carnful consideration that I have given ! to the matter I have finally concluded that Parliament should meet as early as practicable for that purpose. I shall therefore ask his Excellency the Governor to summon Parliament for Thursday, the 15th proximo. There ia no necessity for me to elaborate on the questions involved, excepting to say that in my opinion it is essential for the good and sound government of any country that the party in power should have a majority supporting it, and while neither of the principal parties can directly, as a result of the elections, claim that they had this, I feel that the course I have intimated is not only the constitutional one, but is in the best interests of the people as a whole. — JOSEPH GEURGE WARD.