OTAGO MEMBERS' OPINIONS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 7, 9 January 1912, Page 7

OTAGO MEMBERS' OPINIONS.

Several member* of Parliament wore interviewed yesterday afternoon in regard to the 4?rime Minister's "manifesto." Their opinions are given; — Mr. Sidey (Dunedin Sou,th) : I think that the Prime Minister has taken the proper course. It is not clear whether h« is to meet the House with a reconstructed Ministry or whether or in what way the existing vacancies in the Cabinet are to be filled prior to the .meeting of Parliament, but as the Prime Minister claims that he can command a majority I feel sure the course that will give satisfaction to the country is for him to put h's claim to the test in the only way in which it can be done — by calling Parliament together as soon as is reasonably possible. The absence of Mr. Wilford and the loss of his vote musk have presentod a temptation to defer the meeting of Parliament to a later date. In the < circumstances, 1 think the Prime Jlinister is to be commended on the «our«e that he has adopted. Mr. J. Allep (Bruce} : You want tto know what 1 think about the calling of the House together. My answer is that there was absolutely no other courae that Sir Josoph Ward could pursue. If it has to be done it should bedona immediately, and that it has to be done there can be no doubt whatever. - I cannot see any reason for delay until the 15th February. Mr. Malcolm (Clutha)i I am of the opinion that the Prime Minister haa taken the right action in calling Parlia ment together. Mr. Anderson (Mataura): The proper course to have taken in ray opinion was to have called Parliament together this month, but, seeing that Sir Joseph has decided not to assemble until February, all that I can say is that it is the constitutional course to have the early session. I agree with Sir Joseph Ward in that respect.* « Mr. Statham (Dunedin Central) : As A new member, it would hardly become me to say much about procedure, but since "you desire an answer I may say that it seems to me that Sir Joseph Ward has rather taidily taken the right step.