POLITICAL BREAK-UP.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 August 1919, Page 4

POLITICAL BREAK-UP.

ABOUT TO TAKE PLAGE. • LIBERALS LEAVING THE CABINEf (By Wire—Own Correspondent.) Wellington, Ugt Night ' There arc definite indications that the break-up of the National Government ii about to take place. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward may separate this week, and, in any case, the retirement of the Liberals from the Ministry will not be long delayed, The separation of the parties will not be due to any special incident or di«agreement. It is simply the natural ending of the partnership arranged in order to strengthen the hands of the Government during the war, and it not intended to continue into normal times. ' A suggestion that a permanent Coalition • Government should be effected oame from the Reform caucus, but it was not endorsed by official Liberalism. Sir Jqkwi Waal's own'desire is to remain, at the* * head of the distinct Liberal Party, »nd , in this he is supported by tho groat A. majority of the Liberal member*. n. All the Liberal Minister, trill m.I»& W

All the Liberal Ministers will resign. with Sir Joseph Ward. The movement will give a new interest to the work of the session. The Government snst undertake certain work before ptoettd* ing to a general election, The session probably will extend over two months, and there will be scope during that time for an active opposition. Mr- Massey's majority on the old party basis, it will be remembfred, wai very narrow indeed, and it was decreased by the loss of the Taranaki seat. There is some doubt, indeed, if he hits noif any majority at all.