POLITICAL MATTERS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 470, 1 June 1912, Page 3

POLITICAL MATTERS.

Wellington, Thursday

Political events are, as everyone knows, marching rapidly in New Zealand, an if the general talk in political circles takes tangible shape the developments of the next few weeks will be infinitely more interesting than what has already happened. Coalition has been in the air for a long time, and it is now rumoured that there will be an attempt by the progressive section of the Reform party to carry off a big political coup by effecting a coalition of moderates strong enough to command the House. They rely upon the support of some disaffected Liberal members, and the objection to the domination of Parliament by the small labour group. Their plan, it is stated, is to bring together in one paity all the members who may be described as Moderates, leaving outside the Labourites and Radicals on one hand, and the group of Conservatives of the old school to be found in the Opposition oS. It is suggested that the coalition Ministry should include the Hons. T. Mackenzie, Myers, Mac Donald and Buxton, and that the Government Radical wing would quickly find itself, as a result, of this manoeuvre, at such a numerical disadvantage that it could not in any degree influence the Administration, even if it joined forces with Labour. As far as can be learned, the promoters of this interesting political move have concerned themselves mainly with the rank and file of the two parties they seek to bring together. leaving the leaders out of the question until the whole matter can be submitted to them with some definite guarantee of success. Probably more will transpire after _ the special meeting of the Opposition party, which has been called for June 4th in Wellington. Christchurch, Thursday.

A rumour locally gives support to a report from Wellington regarding the possibility of a coalition arising from the present confusion of political parties. The name of Sir Joseph Ward is being mentioned very freely in business circles, arid even among the statements of the older Liberals there is an impression that the iate Prime Minister and the leader of the present Government with the Moderate section of their followers, will be found presently in active alliance with a large body of the Reformers. The organisation of a united Labour party, the evangel of the Hon. G. Fowids, and the creation of Radical associations, are causing the people who call themselves Moderates to draw together sensibly. Sir Joseph Ward is to be given a welcome when he passes through Christchurch next week, and the prime movers, in this plan are active supporters of Mr Mackenzie and probable opponents of a Labour opposition, The incident may be regarded as a political pointer.