THE SITUATION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 49, 22 February 1912, Page 4

THE SITUATION.

():io view of the political situation—probably somewhat coloured—is given by the Wellington “Times,” which says : —'The feature of Tuesday’s movements was the obvious hardening of Labour and Independent members against the Opposition. Sir Joseph Ward’s intention to withdraw from the leadership alters the situation materially. The party headed by Mr Massey numbers 88. If Mr Veitch (for the lirst vote at any rate) is on the Opposition side, its total will be 39. The Government total up till yesterday was set down at 38, leaving Messrs Atrnore, Payne, Hindmarsh and Robertson as uncertainties. Mr Payne’s position was made pretty chair by Ids friendly attitude towards Liberal points in the debate, his approval being often plainly shown. Of the remaining Labour members it 'has been realised for ■some time that Mr Hind marsh is with the Government, while it is now reported that Mr Robertson also goes with him on the crucial division, and that Mr Atrnore is not disposed to displace the Liberals from the Treasury benches. If so, the Government party would total, excluding the Speaker and the absent member for Hutt, an effective voting strength exactly the same as the Opposition, via., 39. The Liberal party Would thus win on the Speaker’s casting vote.