THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 36, 7 February 1912, Page 4

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Discussing the political situation . the “Lyttelton Times” remarks:—The week is closing without the public learning of any material change in the political situation. Sir Joseph Ward has denied the report that ho will resign before the meeting of Pariament, but bis denial does not seem ;o have appreciably lessened the enthusiasm with which Mr Massey and iis friends are celebrating their vic;ory. The Prime Minister may have ionic card in reserve* which he has not •ct disclosed even to his colleagues, nit the general opinion seems to be hat Mr Massey’s “turn” is at hand, ml that it may endure for as long is the life of the present Parliament, 'he “Otago Daily Times,” which inlines to this view, puts the strength f the Opposition down at thirty-seven ml of the Government at thirty-six, ut points out that Mr Wilford’s alienee from the country and Sir Arthur luinness’s occupancy of the chair will urn the scale distinctly in Mr Massy’s favour. A majority of three i ~ _ l

obtained under such circumstances is not finite all that a party leader could desire, but we have little doubt that .Mr .Massey is justified in counting upon a majority of the Labour members following the tilt of the beam and giving him at least a brief term ol office. The future, of course, will depend upon the use he makes of his opportunity. If he gives the workers all the good things he has promised and leaves the Liberal legislation undisturbed the sanguine expectations of his friends may be realised, but if he attempts to give effect to the wishes of some of his less progressive supporters the disappearance of his majority will speedily terminate his ministerial life.