POLITICAL SITUATION

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 13 May 1925, Page 8

POLITICAL SITUATION

BY-ELECTION FOR FRANKLIN. By Telegraph—Prcs.i AspoeUlion. WELLINGTON, May 12'. It is too early to discuss constitutional developments, following the sad death of the Premier. Sir Francis Bell is continuing as Acting-Prime Minister, and his colleagues will carry on purely administrative work until His Excellency sends for a political leader, and requests him to form a Ministry. If former jirccedents are followed, there would be a meeting of Reform members after the funeral, as a result of which Sir Francis 801 l would be able to tender definite advice to the Governor-General regarding the choice of a leader. As a by-election must tgke place i*Franklin, it is believed that Parliament could most conveniently be called to assemble for the despatch of business on tho last Thursday in June, the customary date. By this time, the new head of the Government would be ready to meet the House w.th his full Cabinet.

HON. W. DOWNIE STEWART IMPROVING UNDER TREATMENT.

B>- Telesrranh—frost j> snoi-Ution.. WELLINGTON. May 12. In reply to a recent telegram from Sir Francis Bell, inquiring as to the Hon. Downic Stewart’s health, and the progress that ho w.us making under special treatment m Now York, Sir hir Francis Bell has received the following telegram, dated tho 6th List., from Mr Stewart: — “My. treatment is successfully counteracting the poison, _ and lias already practically freed the joints froni inflammation, but tho temporary effect is to leave the muscles slack, so that J meanwhile walk very badly, even with crutches. This is the normal procedure I am extremely anxious to pass til’s stage before leaving for New Zealand, otherwise, I would probably show no visible improvement on my return. Hence, I am waiting until dune, unless you require mo sooner. Very optimistic of ultimate result.” MR M-ISSEY'S SON A PROBABLE CANDIDATE. $y T“e!c£ra p l ’ —Association. AUCKLAND, May 12. It is understood that there is every likelihood that Mr J. N. Massey, farmer, of Puni (near Pukekohe), being a candidate for his lather 8 seat.