MEN AND MATTERS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 2, 20 March 1912, Page 4

MEN AND MATTERS.

The political upheaval in this country seems destined to take a considerable period of time to settle. Since Parliament adjourned the telegraph man has been very busy forwarding contradictory statements collected by journalists working for papers holding divergent political views. At one time we were told that both Sir Joseph Ward and the Hon. John Millar were going to resign. Now it has narrowed down to Sir Joseph and the claims of Mr Miliar are advocated, somewhat timidly perhaps, for the Premiership. There is going to he a meeting of the party at the Prime Minister's residence in Tinakori road, Wellington, this month, and I venture to say that the scramble for office will resemble that which takes place at a Sunday school picnic, when a benevolent party walks abroad scattering broadcast the contents of a tin of lollies. The sweets in the Parliamentary tin are not numerous, therefore the scramble will be the greater. Some absurd things have been published in connection with the candidates for the Prime Minister's position. For instance, both Auckland dailies, which are supposed to be written and sub-edited by men possessing at least ordinary common sense, stated that a rumor was current that Mr A. M. Myers would be Prime Minister, but on being interviewed Mr Myers said he was not likely to be asked to accept the position. Anyone possessing a superficial knowledge of Parliamentary matters and one grain of common sense, knows that Mr Myers, who, is as yet a political tyro, is quite unfitted by his inexperience to take or hold the position. Even as it is necessary for the captain of a ferry steamer to study and make bimself proficient in the arts of navigation, so is it even more pressing that the man at the helm of the ship of State be prepared to skilfully weather the many storms which batter the Dominion craft. * * * * The Labour Party is likely to cause some trouble for the new Ministry. Already the cry has gone forth that Labour must not mix with Liberalism, that Labour must become a distinct party of its own, that Liberalism is ultra respectable and smug, and therefore that Labour members must not accept office in the new Ministry. The question arises, will some of the Labour members be able to resist the tempting bait of office—and the extra salary? I think not! for after all they were not elected as part of an organised party campaign, but rather as units with Labour convictions. It is all very well for Unions and Federations that did nothing for their return to call upon them to form a new party. The Labour members are likely to follow the doctrine of all industrial workers unions and go for more pay—shorter hours in Parliament are not expected.