POLITICAL PARTIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 April 1919, Page 7

POLITICAL PARTIES.

POSSIBILITIES REVIEWED.

(Our Special Correspondent) Wellington, April 2£ The making of political parties is occupying the attention of a good many people,' inside politics and out, at the present time. The latest conference of members in Auckland was an effort to get solid backing from within the present parties for a progressive policy, which it appears that several members are ready to compile. All the groups are embarrassed by their ignorance on one vital point—what are Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward going to do when they get back to New Zealand? ; i Several courses are open to the party leaders. They may dissolve the Naironal Government soon after t&ir return to New Zealand and before' the session. Then Mr. Massey, with a Reform Ministry, would meet parliament,, and Sir Joseph Ward would lead the Liberals In Opposition. They might be expected each to propound a policy, and the country would then be asked to choose between them, with Labor creating a triangular fight. This arrangement was sketched for your correspondent the other day by a gentleman who had some claim to knowledge about the political situation. It does not take count, of the operations of any, new* parties. Another prediction is that the National Government ,will meet Parliament and will then consult their supporters ,as to further arrangements. There is ground for believing that if this'should happen, the National Governfnent wouM speedily come to shipwreck' throiigh the division of its councils. Everybody knows that during the wfer the Ministers have avoided open- quarrels only by compromise's, which, -usually have spelled inaction. • This sort of thing could not and would not lie tolerated by the House in time of peace, with an. election looming close ahead and a dissatisfied electorate looking on. Then there is the possibility that one leader will become Resident Minister in London, The general 'expectation in political circles is that, they will'.both come back. Other possibilities might be mentioned; but speculation does not appear to be particularly profitable. The wise politician is waiting to see.