POLITICAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2749, 24 June 1924, Page 3

POLITICAL.

CABINET PREPARING FOR THE

SESSION. Wellington, Last Njglit. A lengthy Cabinet sitting took place this afternoon and the Prime Minister afterwards stated that the programme for the session had been under discussion. “I am already at work on the financial statement,” added Mr Massey “and it will he completed within a few days, but of course, the estimates have also to lie considered in connection with it.” GOVERNMENT WHIP INTERVIEWED. Auckland. T.ast Night. Mr J. S. Dickson, M.P. for Parnell, and Senior Government- Whip, on being interviewed said lie believed it was absolutely necessary there should be a reeonst met ion of the present Cabinet. Nothing less would

satisfy ibe country. He also believed that at the next election a strong Nation.il Party would he formed, more especially to fight the city electorates. This parry would he more or less a fusion of the forces of Reform and Liberalism. Country members and country people were talking about a Country Parly and lie thought that if a National Party would come from the city and he a success, it would not he surprising if there was an amalgamaHon of the two. It would not he so strong on party lines as either the present or previous Governments. A broad national point of view would be brought to bear on all questions. That- was merely bis idea, lie had not been approached on the subject lmt feeling in the electorates pointed in that direction.

Mr Dickson predicted an early election. saying ”1 do not think the Government will get its measures 11. rough ami an appeal to the cottuIrv is quite likely. This is my opinion as a private member and ns a Government Whip.”