THE REINS OF GOVERNMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 July 1919, Page 7

THE REINS OF GOVERNMENT.

HON. G. W. RUiSSETL ON POLITICAL OUTLOOK By Telegraph,—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. "The political position is extremely cloudy," said the Hon. G. W. Russell today. "Until the leaders return it is impossible to say what may take place. They -will probably reach New Zealand between August 10th and August 15th. The date for opening the session lias not yet been fixed. Parliament will be prorogued until August 14, but probably before that date a fresh proclamation will be made ordering Parliament to meet for the despatch of business. It is impossible to forecast the date of the general election. "As to issues put before the country at the general election, 1 imagine the predominant issue in the minds of the people will be that at loyalty to the Empire and to the soldiers, and of loyalty to the laws of the land. Whatever may be said with regard to the National Government, this at least stands to its credit, that under its regime New Zealand sent away 100,000 of the finest troops who appeared on the fields of battle in Europe. Palestine and other areas. The first question therefore for the people of the country to consider is not whether the National Government or any coalition that may be formed shall he handed the reins, but whether these reins are to be handed over to the disloyalists in the country."