SESSION NEXT MONTH.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 10 January 1912, Page 3

SESSION NEXT MONTH.

STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER

The Prime Minister has forwarded the following statement to the Press Association, dated Monday, Jan. 8:— " To the Electors of New Zealand. *' 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 tho short time at my disposal, fully inquired into the situation in. all its bearings, and I 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 end 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. 1 have all through been of opinion that Parliament alone should deal with such, a situation, and after the fullest and most careful consideration that I have given 1 1 the matter, I have finally concluded that Parliament should meet as oarly as practically for that puipose. I shall therefore ask his Excellency the Governor to sutpmon Parliament for Thursday, the loth proximo. There is no necessity for me to elaborate on the questions involved, excepting that in my opinion it is essential for the good and sound government of any country that the party m power should have a majority supporting1 it, and while neither of the principal parties can directly, as a result of the elections, claim that they have this, I feel that the course I have intimated is not only a constitutional one, but is in the best interests of the people as a whole. JosErn George Ward.