THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1091, 9 January 1912, Page 2

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER.

PARE LAMENT TO MEET ON FEBRUARY 15.

WklwncTON, jan. 8

The Prime Minister has forwarded the following statement to the Press Association ; 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 writs, and this period includes Christmas and New Year holidays. I have, during the short time at my disposal, fully enquired into the situation m ail its bearings, and i have had assurances that on a want of confidence motion X should have a small majority. I have, therefore, been urged to deter calling Parliament together until the ordinaly time, or after the close of the financial year, i have, therefore, fully considered the position, and 1 have satisfied myself that it is the wiser discharge of my duty that i should take the course I now indicate. The two main parlies 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 should deal with such a situation, and after the fullest and most careful consideration that I have given to the matter, I have finally concluded that Parliament should meet as early as practicable for that purpose. 1 shall, therefore, ask His Excellency the Governor to summon Parliament tor Thursday, the 15th prox. There is no necessity tor me to elaborate on the question involved, excepting to say tnat 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 tue principal parties can directly, as a result ot the elections, claim tnat they have this, I leel that the course i have intimated is not only the constitutional one, but is best in the interests ot the people as a whole. —Joseph George Ward.