OPPOSITION STONEWALLING.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 278, 21 November 1913, Page 4

OPPOSITION STONEWALLING.

rAcmnxs. kdefdtite possibilities, humour of dissolution CrRCULATrN'G. (Br Telesrach. —Parliamentary Reporter.) V. EIAJSGTOS, Thursday. Stonewalling for their political existence, because the abolition of the second ballot, with nothing in its place, wouH hopelessly split the progressive vote. Opposition and Labour members have joined to carry out a well-planned talk capable of extension till Christmas, the NtT Year, next session or the general election if need be. The p2e of amendments of which notice was given to-day provides the material, and a heavy battery of talkers divided into shifts of eight, working a minimum of five or six hours, will ensure that every possible phase of every relevant question can be discussed with microscopic aainutene==These talkers are determined that if they can manage it, the Government's chance of patting the Second Ballot Repeal Amendment into the Legislative Amendment Bill will never come this side of the general election. Will the test in the country come before December, 1914? Suggestions float around the Lobbies, originating from the Government eide, that any lengthy obstruction will lead the Jlinistry to force an early dissolution. How this could be done at the end of a fairly fruitful session, it would be for JXr. Massey to demonstrate. He could resi<m, but that would not cause a diseolu-

tion. Probably the story has been circulated for effect, and is not seriously intended as a line of policy. In any case. Oppositionists say the- are not afraid to face the issue so long as the second ballot remains.