POLITICAL NOTES

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 259, 24 December 1914, Page 3

POLITICAL NOTES

The nebulous atmosphere that has been produced by the reversal of the announcenent of the result of Hawkes Bay contest and the effect of the expeditionary vote in regard to the Wairaparapa seat, was most unexpected, and a period of keen suspense for politicans is the outcome. On the one hand the Beform Party are short of the necessary majority to ensure their remaining in office while the Opposition have a smaller number of followers; but on the othes hand there are a few Labour supporters and Social Democrats whoso intentions and actions may influence matters materially* If there were any possibility of the present Ministry or Opposition carrying on apart from the section named the position would be tolerable; but if a party has to rely on the " firebrand " members to take the position of power and possibly include such in the Ministry, an awkward situation arise?. There have been rumours of two or three probable moves from independency to the side of Beform, among which the name of Mr Myers has been foremost as a likely member of the M inistry. Members of both sides of the House seem to desire that some arrangement lor " carrying on " the country's affairs ( without facing another election, should be made. Within the next few days, when all doubts as to whose nominee is the '' selected" in several electorates have been set at rest, something substantial may be anticipated by way of information bearing on the situation. In the meantime there is much speculation by followers of the Prime Minister and the Opposition leader as to what will happen, but at the time of writing a solution of the problem seems discernible only by the exercising of Patience. By the defeat of Mr Fisher (says the "Southland Times") Parliament unquestionably loses its most brilliant debater. For incisive and destructive criticism, finished sarcasm, and absolutely crushing repartee Mr Fishef had no equal in the House of Representatives, and from the point of view of the gallery habitue the House without Mr Fisher will not be so attractive as it was with him.

The electors of Franklin paid their district member and Prime Minister the high compliment of returning him by the largest majority gained during the recent elections.

Since the foregoing was written tho Government again claims a majority of two by reason of Mr Statham, the retiting Government member, having been last night declared elected on tho recount for Dunedin Central, for which Boat Mr Munro (Labour) |had previously been announced as successfnl.