DOMINION POLITICS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9657, 14 July 1919, Page 5

DOMINION POLITICS

"EXTREMELY CLOUDY."

(Per Preßg Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, July 12. " The political I position is extremely cloudy," said the Hon. G. W. Russell to-day. "Until the leaders return it is impossible to say what may take place. They will probably reach New Zealand between August 10 and 15. The date for the opening of the next session is not yet fixed. Parliament will be prorogued until August 14, but probably before that date a fresh pro-, clamation may be made ordering Parliament to meet for the despatch of business. It is impossible to forecast the date of the general election. As to the issues to be put before the country at the general election, the. dominant issue in the minds of the people will be that of loyalty to the laws of tho land.

" Whatever may be said with regard to the National Government," Mr Russell added, " 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 arenas. The first question, therefore, for. the people of the country to consider is, not whether the National Government or any CoalitioaJhat may be formed shall be handed the reins, bufc whether, thes© reins are to be handed over to the disloyalists in tills country."