The Political Situation.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XLIII, Issue 2283, 5 February 1912, Page 5

The Political Situation.

SIR JOS KIM I WARD KM PHAT 10 PARLIAMENT MUST SOLVE THE . POSITION. In mi interview with a Wellington “Times” representative, last Thursday Sir Joseph "Ward stated that the remarks which had emanated from the South, and were said to bo on the authority of a leading Liberal,” to (lie effect that he proposed to tender his resignation as Prime Minister on February Llth. are absolutely without any foundation in fact. “ I have never made any statement to anyone that would warrant ‘ a leading Liberal 1 or anyone else giving currency to such rumor,” lie said. “ Whoever made the statement has done so entirely on his own account, and that without the least authority, as nobody but myself could have authorised such a statement. Apparently to endeavor to give some coloring to the rumor, a suggestion is made that Mr Millar is to resign his seat and is going to Australia. This is also without the least foundation in fact so that this story has been built up for the purpose of creating a little diversion. At the present juncture I have not in any way altered my intention. as published some time ago, that I would meet Parliament with the Ministry as it is now standing, and T have not the slightest, intention of doing otherwise. If I could have satisfied myself at first that the Opposition had a majority I would have resigned immediately, hut no one except those who arc politically prejudiced could arrive at the conclusion, after examining results, that the Opposition had a majority. I stated before, and the fact remains still, the two leading parties are evenly divided, and the balance of power remains in the bands of the Independents and representatives of Labor. Under these cirpurpsfanpes jf is in my judgment a proper course for the Ifopse to settle the question. I have no intention of shirking my responsibilities by evading the issue or qf doing anything that would add tq (.he difficulties of the position in any vay- The Mataura “Ensign” is under the control of an Opposition member, and it is hot usual for ■“ a leading Liberal” (o take those who arc opposed to hi|M ifflo his con-, liduncc, nor could J believe that any real friend of the Liberal parly would make a , statement deliberately contrary to fact,”

Wo ai'o not In the least concerned a bun I Sir -Joseph Ward (says; tlie " Grey Rivor Argus.” Ho is only experiencing the fate of many able Premiers that have gone before. But to grant a dissolution should Mr Massey fail to retain a sudicienl majority in such cimimstanoes would be setting his individual aspirations and interests above the true interests of the country. The-doing so would ho a relic of a time that we have long ago agreed to put behind ns, and would be opposed to all democratic principles* Wo are no longer concerned as to the result of the elections. We are dealing solely with the position and what it is likely to bring forth. While we arc not at all averse to Mr Massey being afforded that " chance ” that he aryl hjs party have so long and consistently clamoured for. we are doubtful as to the figure he will cut when I In; Umise has been afforded an opportunity of sorting itself, and when the old misleading catchwords and caluming of the Opposition have lost their virtue. For that time will surely come, whatever subsequent developments may load to. Hir Jospph s friends have “assured” him that he will command a small working majority when the House meets. He does not aay so, he it noted. But if that should be I lie c<|>e it will be a.noli p ■ instance of the ipieypectcd ogee more ji ippen’pg. An instance of how land speculation is going on in parts of the King fJonn(ry is cited by a Te Unity land agent (telegraplis thp “• Host’s ” Auckland correspondent}. Hp sold a Farm on Friday week in the Olorolmnga district for £SUU. The property was again put in his hands fur sale, and he turned it over at a profit ne.\t morning- The new buyer instructed the agent to sell again, with the result that the same afternoon he disposed of the property for The now purchaser still considers that ttyer© is a margin left.