THE POLITICAL SITUATION

Evening Star, Issue 12882, 3 August 1906, Page 7

THE POLITICAL SITUATION

[Sp'KCtAi to THB Stab."]

CHRiSTCHURCH, August 3, T&E LABOR SPLIT.

The 'Lyttelton Times'' thitika that, a grc&fc deal too much has been mado of the story, tbafc the workers' leaders ale com tempjating a bolt. Sir J. G, Ward is not likely tp make the tactical blunder, of alienating the Labor partyj even if his awn sympathies are not strongly with the Wfkers. He would be bound by loyalty to principles and party to give full weight to the representations and encouragement to the aspirations of the workers, and ho knows that the Liberal party depend now, as they did in 1890, oh the workers lor their supremacy. The ' Times' does not share the fear expressed that Sir Joseph will riot be able to hold his party together.

MR HALL-JONES'S PREMIERSHIP

The 'Press' thinks that the public generally Will agree with all that Sir J. Zi. Ward said last night regarding the manner in which the Hoti. W. HallJones had administered affairs during his short term Of office. The duties which devolved upon him on the death of his chief were (as Sir. Joseph said), onerous, difficult, and painful, and he discharged them with dignity, tact, and good taste so as to win the approval of all. Latterly he may have talked rather too freely on matters of policy, considering the temporary nature of his administration, but on the whole he has acquitted himself (fell, and has in consequence risen considerably in public estimation.

MR FOWLDS'S PROSPECTS.

[Special to the Stab.]

AUCKLAND, August 5. When asked by your representative yesterday as to whether he was to be "appointed a member of the new Cabinot, Mr Fowlds said ho had received no official intimation of his appointment as yet. and farther than this ho would eay nothing. I am however, upon excellent authority that he is to be a neulber of the now Ministry, and that iha Dunedin 'Star's' forecast "on Saturday last is substantially correct. The 'Star' last night says: "Mr Fowlds lias always taken ah active part in politics, local and fjenoral, and has a strong grasp of and keen insight into the colony's affairs, both legislative nnd financial. His name has been persistently mentioned in connection with Ministerial changes for the past three years* and his claims to Cabinet rank have been admitted on all hards. An incisive speaker, who never rises unless he has something to say, Mi- Fowlds carries a great deal of weight in tho House. His appointment will give satisfaction to members* among whom he enjoys great personal popularity, even with those 4-hri differ from him. He has always been a keen critic of Government legislation, ar.d ■n committee especially has done useful n-ork in perfecting legislation."