COALITION.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1245, 29 September 1911, Page 4

COALITION.

The discussion which took place in Parliament yesterday, on the question of whether someone did or did not suggest a coalition between the Government and Mr. Massey, with a view to Mr. Massey joining the Ministry, will probably l>e read with interest by most people, and with amusement by many. There will also certainly be a good deal of speculation as to the reasons which lie behind the Prime Minister's sudden discovery of the necessity for so emphatic a repudiation of the idea that he had anything to do with the proposal. It is not at all likely, we imagine, that anyone would accuse the head of the Government of being so indiscreet as to himself approach Mr. Massey. Obviously the natural thing to do in such a case would be to get some trustworthy person to make inquiries, in the right quarters and then to act as the circumstances required. However, Sir Joseph Ward, while he admits that he was approached on the subjcct by some mysterious persons whoso names for some reason must not he divulged, emphatically denies that he entertained the suggestion for a single moment, and he is equally emphatic in his disposal of the idea that _ho was in any way responsible for tho actions of those who approached Mr. Massey. That tho idea was afoot wc do not think anyone will dispute. Sir Joseph Ward and Mr. Massey both , admit that the proposal was placed before them, and Mr. Millar and some of the members of the Opposition also seem to have been approached in connection with it. All this is very interesting, no doubt, but is it worth the pother that was created over it by Sir Joseph Ward in Parliament yesterday ? He really seems unduly sensitive just now. The country, we imagine, is not very much concerned whether or not Mr. Massey was offered a place in tho Cabinet several years ago. It is a great deal more interested as to who the Pr.BiE Minister is going'tS appoint'as'a successor to Me. Fowlds—if, as is unlikely, he appoints anyone at all before tho elections. After the elections the public may find the most fascinating political topic of the moment the question of who Mr. Massey is going to call to the Cabinet.