POLITICAL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 299, 14 June 1912, Page 8

POLITICAL

Sir Joseph Ward's decision, not to go on the Imperial Commission has added another element of doubt and confusion to the political situation (writes the Wellington correspondent of the Manaia paper). One can only speculate as to his purpose. It is said that in case the Government should go down he will be there to lead it in opposition, and so make good for the Premiership in the near future. And what of the present Prime Minister ? Whither goes he ? It is said by those who are well in the inside of things that the High Commissionership awaits him. All parties recognise that he would be partis princeps the man for the position. It has for some years now been in very poor hands—ever since Mr. W. P. Reeves threw it up, and it is time the country got some adequate service for its money. Sir Wm, Hall-Jones was the last man one would think of appointing to such a position, that is, of course, under normal conditions. But the conditions were not normal. It was purely a party appointment, and never was there a better illustration of putting a square peg in a round hole. Mr. Mackenzie's appointment to such a position would be one entirely on the basis of merit and fitness. From information in my possession I am led to think that the call for his appointment will come with equal warmth from both sides of the House. Whether he will accept the "call" is, of course, another question. A Wellington paper makes the assertion that the Prime Minister is likely to succeed to the High Commissionership, and in that case it states that the Egniont electorate will almost certainly be captured by the Opposition. Mr. Wilkinson, of Eltham, is mentioned as the Opposition candidate at, the next election, and he k described as a man of strength, ability and character, who might have beaten Mr. Mackenzie at the last election. On that point, however, there is room for two opinions. It is quite true that his opponent on the oeeasion was merely a lay figure, a man with no resource of ability worth speaking about, who lacked the power either of inspiring his supporters with any reBpect for his ability. It was throughout a pitiable spectacle. The result naturally was that very many Opposition votes went to swell the majority of his more resourceful and capable opponent. The fact is' that the Opposition could not find a man either in Taranaki or outside who would have half a fighting chance with Mr. Mackenzie in the last contest for this electorate. Whether, on the other hand, with Mr. Mackenzie out of the way, they could find a man strong enough to meet Mr. Wilkinson is entirely another question. However, one never knows.—Waimate Witless.