AFTER A LONG INTERVIEW.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 August 1919, Page 5

AFTER A LONG INTERVIEW.

rm LEADERS PART. (By Wire.—Own Correspondent.) Wellington, La.«t Night. The announcement of Sir Joseph Ward's resignation, following on a long conference with Mr- Massey this afternoon, seems to have taken the other liberal Ministers by surprise to some exrent, though, of course, they knew tho break up of tho National Government was coming.

The Hon. Mac Donald, when asked hia intention -.his evening, said that if his thief had /csigned he would follow suit to-morrow morning. The Hon. Q. \V. Russell said he would not be able to resign before Monday, as he had important lni'tteTs in hand requiring completion. The Hon. Hanan indicated that le might not be ready to leave office until Tuesday, owing to ait uncompleted ■ evision of the school syllabus. rev Rons. Wiiford and Myers had nothing to say on the subject. There is a good deal of speculation in folitical circles as to the intentions of Hie Prime Minister. It is known that Mr. Massey wants to get to the country as soon as possible now, but there is a considerable amount of work that must be- undertaken by Parliament foe'ore the general election. The indications aro lliat the Liberals, while maintaining the traditional attitude of **n Opposition, will facilitate the necessary work. It obviously would not be in their interests to offend the country with .1 display of factious party fighting at the present juncture.

Mr. Mastey will require to find several additional Ministers. It is reported on apparently jrood authority that Sir Wm. Fraser and Mr. Berries will retire from the Ministry before very long. In iftat case, Mr. Masaey wonld waat three or tour Ministers at least, and the task of (election at the present juncture would 1 e rather a difficult one in view of the necessity that exists from his point of view of cementing it* ranks of tfct Be' f«»E»i& "•'■■-' " '