THE PREMIER SPEAKS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 21, 8 January 1912, Page 6

THE PREMIER SPEAKS.

HOUSE TO MEET ON THE FIFTEENTH OF FEBRUARY. PRESENT SITUATION ONE FOR PARLIAMENT. REASONS FOR THE STEP. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, January 8. The Prime Minister" has forwarded the following statement to the Press Association: — _ < > To the Electors of New Zealand,— The present political, stuation is a very difficult one. It is not yet three weeks since the return of the writs, and this period included the Cliristmai and Now Year holidays. I have during the short time at my disposal fully enouirod into the situation in all its bearings, and I have had assurances that on a want-of-confidene.e motion 1 should have a small majority. I have, therefore, been urged to defer calling Parliament together until the ordinary time, or after the close of the fin ancial year. I have, however, fully considered the position, and I have satisfied myself that it is the wiser discharge of my duty’ that I should take the course I now indicate. The >wo main parties are practically even uid a small independent section of members has thus the balance of poww. I have all through been of opinion that Parliament alone should.deal with such a situation, and after the mllc-st and most careful consideration that I have given to the matter ,_ I aave finally concluded that ; Parliarent should meet as %arly. as practicable for that purpose. I shall, therefore, ask His Excellency the Governor to summon Pari ament for Thursday. February 15th. There is no necessity for mo to elaborate on .the. .question involved, except to,,say that in my opinion; it is, essential for the gond and ;onud: government of any country'.that The, partyiin power,should have a majority supporting it; and while neither! of the principal paiTies can directly, is a result of the elections, claim that they have this. I feel that the course I have intimated is not only the constitutional one, but in the best interests of.tlie people as a whole. JOSEPH GEORGE WARD.