THE GOVERNMENT'S “MAJORITY”

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 280, 21 August 1915, Page 2

THE GOVERNMENT'S “MAJORITY”

A Ministry constituted on ordinary party lines can count fairly confidently on th e support of all the members of its party when a division involving a point of policy is being taken. But a "National Ministry” has not got a party, and cannot whip, up its supporters in th e way familiar to politicians. Tills aspect of the situation created by the formation of the new Government is being discussed with interest in the nibbles, where there is a gener.*i expectation, that, !the temporary removal of party .barriers is going to make for increased independence of thought and action on the part of the, rank and file. The situation is complicated by the existence of the Labour party a.s an independent body, which might on occasions become the nucleus of an Opposition. Apparently, a National Government, being unable to crack a party whip, must be careful always that its proposals are in accord with the views of a majority of the members.