POLITICAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1007, 15 February 1912, Page 3

POLITICAL.

Parliament opens to-day. Most of the members have arrived in Wellington. The Evening Post recently stated that Sir Joseph Ward had secured the adhesion of the Labour members on the understanding that he endeavours to give legislative effect to certain aims and aspirations of that party. lu an interview with the Dominion, Mr Robertson, member for Otaki, says the Post’s statement was incorrect, if, as seemed to be implied, he was one of the Labour members indicated. So lar as he knew the statement did not apply correctly to any Labour member. In his opinion the position had not altered, but was just as it had been. His own position was certainly unaltered. He was not pledged to support either party, but was pledged to vote against the Ward Government. In addition to this, he was definitely pledged to vote against a Massey Government on the platform submitted by the Reform party at the last general election. Further than this, said Mr Robertson, he was not prepared to go at the moment. He would consult with his colleagues in regard to any future situation that might arise. “I recognise,” said Mr Robertson, in conclusion, 11 that the Labour party has nothing to gain by a dissolution at an early date.’’ Mr W. A. Veitch, member for Wanganui, made a brief but definite statement. ‘T am pledged to vote against the present Government,” he said, “and will certainly do so. That being done, and if they go out, I am a free man, and will associate myself with the party that will best advance the platform ior which I stand.” Mr J. Payne, member for Grey Lynn, declined to make any announcement regarding the position he would take in the pending no-confidence division.

It is understood by some followers of the Government that the speech to be delivered by His Kxcellency the Governor on Friday will not be of the usual stereotyped non-committal nature, but will contain matters of a somewhat sensational nature.

The general opinion is that Mr Massey will win on a no-confi-dence motion. What will happen then is uncertain. It is generally supposed Sir Joseph Ward will announce a Radical and Socialistic policy with a view to capturing Labour.