TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 14 February 1912, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

- THE POLITICAL OUTLOOK

GOVERNMENT EXPECT TO DEFEAT NO-NONFIDENCE MOTION.

POLICY MEETS APPROVAL

FATE RESTS WITH LABOUR

MEMBERS.

OPPOSITION STILL CONFI

DENT.

By Telegraph—Special to Advertiser. Wellington, This Day. It is stated Here on good grounds for belief that the Government will defeat a straight out no-con-fidence motion by one vote, or casting vote of Speaker, in case of a tie. It is invariable the custom for the Speaker to give a casting vote to maintain things as they are.

It is understood that it is the intention of the Government to announce a bold policy ,that will place a clear dividing line between the aims of the Liberal Party and the platform adopted by the Reform Party. The advanced policy of the Government has been so far disclosed as to meet approval. The majority of Labour members are practically certain. Sir Joseph Ward has secured their adhesion on the understanding to give legislative effect to certain aims of the party.

If a no-confidence motion is defeated Government will carry on business in the ordinary way till the House meets in June. E>uring the interval portfolios of AttorneyGeneral and' Minister of Education will be allotted : also several appointments made to the Legislative Council.

The votes upon which the fate of the Government rests are : Atmore (Nelson), Payne (Grey Lynn) Robertson (Otaki), Hindmarsh (Wellington), and Veitch (Wanganui). Veith's vote is credited to the Opposition on first no-con-fidence motion, but no doubt others will follow later on.

The new departure in the policy of the Government will not be outlined in the Governor's speech but fully stated by the Premier durring session.

The Opposition are still confident that a no-confidence vote will be in its favour.