The Debate.

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 1727, 22 February 1912, Page 2

The Debate.

The No-confidenco debate on the amendment to tlie AddresVin-Tteply moved by tlie Leader of tho Opposition was advanced a further day's stage yesterday in the House. Mr Payne, who had tho right to continue the debate yesterday afternoon, apparently gavo way to the Minister of Railways, which rather indicates that tlie Grey Lynn seat is not lost to the Government Party. Tho Hon. J. A. Millar accused the Opposition Party of * hitting below the belt, and, like, his chief, the Minister showed a self-sacrificing spirit by declaring that if his' resignation would help his party he was prepared to retire. Mr Hcrdman replied to Mr Millar, and accused in turn, declaring that "the fundamental principles of democracy'" had been sacrificed by the present Government. Phrase-slinging and accusation seen to bo tho political weapons nowadays. Why don't they get down to business? "Divide!'' should be the cry and the action of the House. Mi "Riccarton" Russell, who is said to ,be,.ambitious for the leadership of the Liberal Party, touched the live spot last night when he said of his own party that "had the Liberal Party displayed one-half the energy displayed by the Opposition Party", tho Liberals would have been returned with a substantial majority." And after hearing tho bard of Avon Russolling for his full hour, the House rose and went homo dead tired. Meanwhile, the Oppositionists are confident that; tho result of the Massey motion will provide a victory for their side by a majority of at least four votes, even supposing that Mr Payne votes' with the Government. Members of the Government Party, on the other hand, express the belief that it will emerge from the contest with a majority of one. So certain are they of victory they they have begun to seriously consider the question of who shall lead the party, seeing Sir Joseph Ward has announced His intention of resigning the i;_ms and joining, the rank and file. The singular point about this latter phase of the situation is that tho name of the Hon. J. A. Millar is not mentioned as the successor to Sir Joseph Ward, in spito of his declaration during the electoral campaign that he was ambitious for the highest political oflice. Tho namo of the Hon. T. Mackenzie is mentioned a.s the leader of tho reconstructed party, but tho position is complicated by the suggestion that Mr Mackenzie is not by any means anxious to take the responsibility of such a high position. If only tho House would divide, for no member will be converted by tho time-wasting taik that is now being indulged in under the dignified title of "the debate."