THE COMING SESSION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1058, 18 June 1912, Page 3

THE COMING SESSION.

In less than two weeks’ time Parliament will have met once again for “the transaction of business,” 'be principal and paramount ness this time being the fate of the Mackenzie Ministry. It will be necessary, to first pass an Imprest Supply Bill, and there will be the usual adjournment in honour of a deceased legislator, the Hon. James M’Gowau. The debate on the Address-iu-Reply, when Mr Massey will move his no-confidence motion, will be commenced in all probability on the Tuesday following. In consequence of some recent happenings, such as the raising of the four million loan and the terms upon which it was secured, and the vacancy for the High Commissionership, the Post considers the discussion will very probably be of longer duration and more bitter than was at first anticipated. The Leader of the Opposition has threatened to clear up a telegraphic argument with the Premier, and Mr Massey also has a little political account to settle with , the member for Nelson. What is the ultimate division likely to be ? It is assumed in certain quarters that there can be little doubt the Government will be defeated, but what are the precise forces and who are the members outside the official Opposition ranks that will put Mr Massey and his party on the Treasury benches and maintain them in power ? The Opposition is confident of success. The Premier says he believes he will win through, if members keep their pledges. But the fact cannot be blinked that there is more than one dissatisfied member in the Liberal ranks. One shrewd and close observer of political affairs declares that the division will go in favour of the Opposition by six or, possibly, eight votes. With Mr Herries away that would give the Opposition a vote of 44 on the first division. Even so, the first hurdle only would then be negotiated. Will any ot the defections from the Government party be given a place in the Massey Cabinet ? What will be the price of their support ? It is yet too early to speculate on the ultimate result. Some people believe that Mr Massey will be able to carry on, while others emphatically declare that a dissolution will be the only way out of a position which, it is claimed, can only end, on present appearances, in chaos.