THE LAST RESORT.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 520, 29 May 1909, Page 4

THE LAST RESORT.

..Were, it not' that the situation has a Borioua side, the floundering attempts of the Government to, justify a postponement of the sessional arrangements in the ovent of the Prime 'Minister proceeding to tho Naval .Conference' in England would pror voke ridicule and laughter. At the outset it"- became, very evident- that, Sin ■Joseph Ward was anxious to, attend tho Conference. Ho denied this, but his actions and the, actions.of the Ministerial press contradicted his words. Most people wondered why he should attempt to conceal a very natural desiro to take part in the councils of thq Empire,' His.presence in New Zealand, in view of the condition of the country's affairs, might appear desirable, but even admitting this a good deal could be eaid in favour of his attending tho Conference. Unfortunately Sir Joseph Ward wanted something more than the privilege of representing tho Dominion at the Conference. Ho wanted the whole business of the country hung up until his return. We havo pointed out tho utter absurdity of this position, and it is not necessary to recapitulate again why tho sitting of the Naval Conference should not be allowed to interfere with the proper conduct of the domestic concerns of thin .country. What has directed our attention again to this subject is the latest means adopted in the attempt to overcome the very proper objection raised to the actions of one member of tho Government, even though that member bo the Prime Minister, being allowed to upset tho'whole business of the country. Minister? and the Ministerial press havobeen for weeks trying.to convince the country that Parliament cannot properly conduct its buaiooes In tho absence pf tile Pmms

Minister—that, despite precedent to the contrary, the PniME Minister must be in attendance while Parliament is in session. We believe they have failod to convince any unbiased porson. Wo believo that no one who has troubled tolook at tho question in an impartial spirit can boo any good reason why Sir Josepii Ward'b desire to go to_ England should interfere with the sessional arrangements. Probably Ministers .recogniso that they havo failed in this rospect, and that •'• some other device ie necessary, in order to gain their end. That thoy have riot yet reached the und of their resources'is made plain by the publication of an inspired articlo in the columns of our evening 'contemporary and by other signs which point in the same direction,: The latest suggestion .is to get the Leader of tho Opposition out of the way. The proposal is that Mr. Massey should' bo induced to accompany Sir Joseph Ward to England to represent the at the Conference. Whether it is hoped by this means to secure the consent of the Opposition to the hanging up of tho country's business, or whether it is'merely thought.that Mr. Massey's absence will balance that of Sie Joseph Ward, is not clear. But whatever the object may be, it does not alter, the' situation in the slightest so far as the necessity exists for -the' early'attention of Parliament to the affairs of the country. We dp not know Mr. Massey's views on the latest phase of the matter—under ordinary; conditions it might be a ,good idea that the leaders of the two political parties should represent the country at all Imperial Conferences. .Party issues are sunk on. such occasions. But whatever Mr. Massey's viows may be on this latest proposal it does not affect the main feature of tho position. It does not make it any,-less necessary that Parliament should meet in" the ordinary way. The .proposal, coming at' this late hour, looks suspiciously like, the. last- resort' of Van embarrassed Government, and unless.- ■we .are much' ' mistaken it will - fail .in its purpose, as all the previous expedients have failed. Had Sir Joseph -Ward a' proper regard 'for the dignity of his office he would face the position openly and courageously. He desires to accept the invitation to attend tho Conference; ho regards it as his' duty to do so; then let him make up his mind to attend, and so end tho matter.'lf he considers that his presence is more required in this country, then ho right to hesitate;.hie duty'lies here. 'If ho goes Home, well and good; but the business of the country mtyst: be carried on as usual; ..If Mr. Massey accompanies him-and wo regard this proposal merely as 'a piece, of ;kitc-fly ing-still 'tho'- 'busi-: nossoftho country;must-go on'in the ordinary way. No reason has been given why'it should not--no' good reason .can be : giv'en.' r This;latest' ; de'vice to subordinate the.interests of the country to theinterests of an individual or a party leaves tho situation still unchanged. ' : - v . "■",■•